Representation of concepts in the mouse hippocampus

Research of the Centre for Systems Neuroscience focuses upon the neural mechanisms of memory, utilising the unique opportunity to record the activity of multiple individual neurons in human subjects. These studies are complemented by research on a mouse model using state of the art experimental and computational approaches.

The aim of the present project is to study concept representations in the mouse hippocampus while the animals navigate in a virtual reality setup. This is achieved by recording the activity of large populations of hippocampal neurons using a 2-photon microscope or high density multielectrode arrays. The mouse model allows studying concept representations at different stages, in order to understand the mechanisms involved in their formation, stability and plasticity. Within the context of our studies of concept representation in humans, this animal model will allow comparison across species and generate insight into neural mechanisms of various cognitive abilities.

The successful candidate will perform experiments in head-fixed animals as they navigate a virtual reality environment and discriminate between the objects presented at random locations to obtain rewards (a fully functional experimental paradigm was already established in the PI’s lab). This work will provide training in in vivo electrophysiology and calcium imaging using multiphoton microscopy in living animals. It will also provide the student with insights into the broader philosophy of how to study cognitive neuroscience and the successful student will join a team in which these techniques are already established at Leicester.

Further information on our research and the team can be found at http://www2.le.ac.uk/centres/csn.

Fees, bench contribution and RCUK equivalent stipend will be covered. Enquiries should be addressed to Prof. Rodrigo Quian Quiroga (email: [Email Address Removed]). Please attach a CV and Cover letter.