PhD Student Position in Systems Neuroscience

Job title:

PhD Student Position in Systems Neuroscience

Company

VIB

Job description

The Laboratory of Cortical Information Processing | Vision to Action at NERF (www.nerf.be [https://www.nerf.be/] ) invites applications for a PhD student to join a Simons Foundation-funded, collaborative research initiative investigating how human-specific features of brain development shape early behavior and neural circuit function in autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
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 maturationWhether accelerated synaptogenesis leads to premature or altered behavioral responses in ASD modelsHow these changes reflect underlying shifts in cortical circuit functionYou 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 [https://boninlab.sites.vib.be/en#/]
Farrow Lab at NERF [https://farrowlab.sites.vib.be/en#/]
Vanderhaeghen Lab CBD [https://pvdhlab.org/] Candidate Profile
We are seeking a motivated, curious, and rigorous PhD candidate eager to explore the link between brain development and behavior in health and disease.
Required Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, or related fieldsStrong interest in behavioral neuroscience, development, or ASDProgramming experience (Python, MATLAB) for behavioral data analysisPreferred Qualifications:
Experience with rodent behavior assaysFamiliarity with tools like DeepLabCut, MoSeq, or Kinect-based systemsInterest in circuit-behavior relationships or developmental neurobiology
What We Offer
A 4-year, fully funded PhD position in a collaborative, high-impact research projectAccess to advanced behavior tracking and analysis infrastructureMultidisciplinary training in systems neuroscience, behavioral analysis, and developmental neurobiologyIntegration into an international consortium involving NERF, VIB-KU Leuven, and Columbia UniversityCompetitive salary and full benefits through VIB/KU Leuven
Application Process
For more information, please contact Vincent Bonin: vincent.bonin@nerf.be [mailto:vincent.bonin@nerf.be]
Please complete the online application procedure.
Please submit:
CV (including relevant experience and any publications or thesis work)Motivation letter (max 1 page)Contact information for 2 refereesDeadline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.Connect with us:
LinkedIn:Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders (NERF) [https://www.linkedin.com/company/neuroelectronics-research-flanders]
VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/vib-ku-leuven-center-for-brain-and-disease-research/]
VIB.AI [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/vib-ai]
Discover our lab and centers:
Bonin Lab: https://boninlab.sites.vib.be/en#/ [https://boninlab.sites.vib.be/en#/]
NERF: https://nerf.be/en#/ [https://nerf.be/en#/]
VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research: https://cbd.sites.vib.be [https://cbd.sites.vib.be/]
VIB.AI: https://vib.ai [https://vib.ai/]
Explore our virtual tour [https://360.cbd.vib.be/]
Follow us on social media:
nerflabs.bsky.social on Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/nerflabs.bsky.social]
virtual tour [https://360.cbd.vib.be/en]Follow our labs on social media: https://bsky.app/profile/nerflabs.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/nerflabs.bsky.social] Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative environment where everyone can thrive. We value diversity in all its forms—including but not limited to gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic background, and family situation. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, and we are dedicated to providing equal opportunities and actively promoting a culture of belonging.
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.

Expected salary

Location

Leuven, Vlaams Brabant

Job date

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 22:22:12 GMT

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