Phd Student Position in Systems Neuroscience

This position is a joint effort between the laboratories of Vincent Bonin and Karl Farrow at NERF, and is part of a broader collaboration with Pierre Vanderhaeghen (VIB-KU Leuven) and Franck Polleux (Columbia University).

**Research Project**:
**“Linking human-specific synaptic developmental timing to early cortical circuit function and plasticity in ASD”**

This PhD project focuses on understanding how altered synaptic development—particularly due to **SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency**—impacts the **maturation of innate visual behaviors**, such as escape and prey pursuit. These behaviors are highly conserved, rely on early-developing visual circuits, and offer a powerful window into neurodevelopmental timing and function.

The research will explore:

- How **human-specific genes (SRGAP2C)** modulate the trajectory of behavioral maturation
- Whether **accelerated synaptogenesis** leads to premature or altered behavioral responses in ASD models
- How these changes reflect underlying shifts in cortical circuit function

You will work within the Bonin and Farrow Labs, which brings deep expertise in **visual behavior**, **visual circuit development**, and **automated behavioral assays**.

**Methodologies include**:

- **Innate visual behavior assays** using naturalistic visual stimuli (e.g. looming threats, prey-like motion)
- **Pose tracking and behavior segmentation** with tools like **DeepLabCut**, **MoSeq**, and **Kinect-based systems**:

- Longitudinal analysis of behavior from early postnatal to adolescent stages in mouse models with **genetically engineered timing of synaptic development**

This work will contribute critical insight into how early brain development influences behavioral outcomes in ASD, and how **evolutionarily recent genes** may buffer or exacerbate these effects.

**About the Labs**:
The Bonin Lab investigates cortical circuit function in sensory systems using in vivo imaging and computational modeling. The Farrow Lab specializes in visual behavior, with advanced methods for studying innate responses.

The Vanderhaeghen Lab, led by Dr. Pierre Vanderhaeghen (Professor at KU Leuven; Principal Investigator at VIB), investigates the development and evolution of the human brain, with a focus on human-specific genetic programs, synaptic neoteny, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

The labs are located at NERF and VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research is part of the VIB Life Sciences Institute and is embedded within KU Leuven, one of the world’s top 50 universities, offering a dynamic and collaborative research environment.

More information:

- Bonin Lab at NERF
- Farrow Lab at NERF
- Vanderhaeghen Lab CBD

**Required Qualifications**:

- Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, or related fields
- Strong interest in behavioral neuroscience, development, or ASD
- Programming experience (Python, MATLAB) for behavioral data analysis

**Preferred Qualifications**:

- Experience with rodent behavior assays
- Familiarity with tools like DeepLabCut, MoSeq, or Kinect-based systems
- Interest in circuit-behavior relationships or developmental neurobiology

**What We Offer**:

- A 4-year, fully funded PhD position in a collaborative, high-impact research project
- Access to advanced behavior tracking and analysis infrastructure
- Multidisciplinary training in systems neuroscience, behavioral analysis, and developmental neurobiology
- Integration into an international consortium involving NERF, VIB-KU Leuven, and Columbia University
- Competitive salary and full benefits through VIB/KU Leuven

**Application Process**:
Please submit:

- CV (including relevant experience and any publications or thesis work)
- Motivation letter (max 1 page)
- Contact information for 2 referees

**Deadline**

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

**Connect with us**:

- LinkedIn:
Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders (NERF)

VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research

VIB.AI

**Discover our lab and centers**:

- Explore our virtual tour

**Follow us on social media**:

- nerflabs.bsky.social on Bluesky
- virtual tour

**Diversity & Inclusion**:
By embracing the unique perspectives and experiences of our team members, we aim to foster innovation and advance excellence in neuroscience research. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace is essential for scientific creativity, effective collaboration, and impactful discovery.