*****JOB ALERT****

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The Laboratory of Brain and Sleep Research is seeking 1 full time research fellow (assegno di
ricerca) to study the effects of non-pharmacological sleep enhancement at the cellular and synaptic
level, in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The research is funded by the Italian
Ministry of University and Research (MUR), project PRIN PNRR “Applying closed-loop acoustic
stimulation during sleep to reduce cortical excitability and epileptic activity in focal epilepsy”, area
CUN 05, SSD Bios-06.

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What will you be doing?

 

You will study brain circuit function, using in vivo electrophysiological recordings (EEG/EMG, local
field potentials and multi units), and synaptic composition in rats whose sleep has been manipulated.
You will take a lead role in organizing day to day activities, performing experiments and analysis
independently. You will also have the possibility to contribute intellectually to the ongoing research,
produce reports of experiments and communicate findings at scientific meetings.

Qualifications and requirements

• PhD in Neuroscience (or alike) is desirable
• Strong interest in neuroscience and sleep is necessary
• Experience in electrophysiology, and techniques of molecular biology is desirable
• Experience in using Matlab, Python or R is an advantage
• First-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals are preferred
• Good communication skills and self-motivation
• Fluent in spoken and written English

Offered contract: 12-month contract, renewable. Annual salary 28000 EUR. Preferable starting
date: February 2025.

For application details please enquire (luisa.devivo@unicam.it)

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To apply: https://www.unicam.it/bandi/2024/bando-protn-95389-del-11122024

The scientific environment
The lab aims at understanding the role of sleep and the mechanisms that regulate it. One main
line of research wants to address the role of sleep in promoting mental health. Sleep disturbances
are comorbid with most neuropsychiatric disorders, often preceding disease onset by many years.
However, it is not clear whether, and to which extent, sleep impairment is a causal factor of the
disease. Our research aims to map the molecular, cellular, circuit and behavioural consequences of
sleep impairment across the lifecycle and to characterize the interaction between sleep disruption
and other environmental and genetic factors. The research goal is to use this knowledge to develop
novel and personalized strategies of prevention and treatment of mental conditions. To this goal, we
combine a variety of approaches, including in vivo recording of neuronal activity, neuromorphological
studies of brain cells, molecular biology, and behavioral testing.
The lab explores also scientific questions linking sleep to glial cells, gut microbiome, cellular
metabolism, adipose tissue, torpor, etc, thanks to the collaboration with other research groups within
Unicam and outside. Some of the collaborators in Unicam include Prof. Roberto Ciccocioppo
(pharmacology and addiciton), Prof. Valerio Napolioni (epigenetics),
Prof. Anna Maria Eleuteri (gut microbiome), Prof. Emanuela Merelli (computation).

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We always welcome applications from motivated, skilled and team-oriented people for Master, PhD and Postdoctoral positions. If you are interested in joining the Brain and Sleep Research Laboratory, please send your CV and cover letter to Michele Bellesi or Luisa de Vivo