Scholarship: Fully-funded
Degree: Bachelor, Master,Ph.D
Nationality: International Students
Location: Norway
Application deadlines: February 28, 2025
Scholarship Description:
The Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, part of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, has been designated a “Center of Excellence” since 2002, receiving re-certification in 2012 and 2023—an unprecedented achievement in Norway. In 2007, it was awarded the title of “Kavli Institute” by the Kavli Foundation.
Scientists Edvard Moser and May-Britt Moser, Dr. Zong’s postdoctoral mentors and long-term collaborators, won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2014 for their research on the brain’s positioning system.
The positions will be part of Dr. Weijian Zong’s independent research group, established in 2023, focusing on advanced optical tools to monitor and manipulate brain activity in freely behaving animals. The lab (https://zong-lab.com/) will utilize cutting-edge miniature two-photon microscopy to explore the computational principles of brain neural circuits. Key achievements of Zong lab include:
- Development of MINI2P, a portable two-photon microscope for high-resolution, multi-plane imaging of thousands of neurons in freely moving mice (W. Zong et al., Cell, 2022: https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(22)00197-0). This method has been reported in leading journals like Nature (https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-03395-z) and is widely used by global research institutions.
- Publication of 22 papers, including in Cell, Nature Methods, Nature Cell Biology, and PNAS.
- Funding from various sources, including the Norwegian Young Outstanding Scientist Fund (https://nyheter.ntnu.no/fripro-midler-til-fire-forskningsprosjekter-fra-ntnu/) and the Norwegian Brain Initiative (NORBRAIN): https://norbrain.no/.
Available Subjects:
Conducting systems neuroscience research using advanced miniature two-photon microscopy.
Eligibility criteria:
- PhD Positions: 2 positions available, fully funded for 3 years (gross annual salary of 540,000 NOK, approximately $48,000).
- Postdoctoral Positions: 2 positions available, fully funded for 3-4 years (gross annual salary of 580,000 NOK, approximately $52,000).
- PhD Requirements:
- Master’s degree (exceptionally strong undergraduates may be considered) with grades meeting NTNU’s B standard or higher in one of the following fields: neuroscience, biology, medicine, or psychology, with a strong interest in applying new technologies to neuroscience problems.
- Physics, engineering, optics, or biomedical engineering background, focused on developing and applying neuro-optical tools to study neural computation in the brain.
- Postdoctoral Requirements:
- PhD degree obtained (or to be completed before starting) in neuroscience, biology, biophysics, or optoelectronics.
- Strong research record in neural functional imaging or manipulation (e.g., calcium imaging, voltage imaging, optogenetics, or all-optical techniques), with at least one published paper or preprint.
- Common Requirements for PhD and Postdoctoral Positions:
- Proficiency or commitment to learning scientific programming (Python, MATLAB, R, etc.).
- Good academic understanding of systems neuroscience.
- Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken).
- Strong motivation to advance neuroscience technologies.
- Preferred Skills:
- Experience in processing and analyzing calcium or voltage imaging data.
- Proficiency in cellular and molecular neuroscience techniques (e.g., optogenetics, patch-clamp, viral design, and manipulation).
- Experience with rodent surgeries and experiments (e.g., possessing an animal research course certificate or equivalent qualifications).
- Personal Qualities: High sense of responsibility, teamwork, strong work ethic, and interest in interdisciplinary, results-oriented, international team environments will be important selection criteria.
Application Procedure:
Submit your online application at Jobbnorg.no.
https://statics.teams.cdn.office.net/evergreen-assets/safelinks/1/atp-safelinks.html (Application deadline for this round is February 28, 2025).
Alternatively, you can send your resume and cover letter to: weijian.zong@ntnu.no.