Integration of astrocytes function in computational model for the Neuron-Glial-Vascular Unit

The researcher will be part of ASTROTECH, an European Training Network that includes 15 Ph.D. students in different labs all over Europe. ASTROTECH will implement “training-through-research” by the development and application of innovative technologies & methodologies, targeting the monitoring, the study, and the manipulation of the function of glial cells called astrocytes and their role and interaction with neurons at multiple scales: from intracellular and subcellular synaptic level, to cellular and neural circuits to behaviour, in both time and space.

Objectives: A) Incorporating neuron-glia-blood vessel coupling in the generative models used in The Virtual Brain. B) Constant interplay with partners to improve the model. C) Generating testable predictions to be tested experimentally in the same lab.

Expected Results: Generative model for The Virtual Brain and validation using a dataset of 19 mice (obtained within the consortium). The experimental model used by the other ASTROTECH Ph.D. student at INS can easily modeled in TVMB by changing the connectome and the glial-neuron interactions. The results will thus generate testable predictions, which will be performed by the other Ph.D. student at INS. Transfer of knowledge to TVB platform, with CODEMART company, and possible tests on clinical data.

Skills acquired: basic neuroscience, whole brain modeling; signal processing; comprehensive training on transferable skills

Very competitive salary (circa 2,200€/month after tax)

All information is available: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/636442