The Takeoka lab studies how animals generate and control motor behavior in health and disease, using a multi-disciplinary approach including detailed motor kinematic assessments, mouse genetics, optogenetic, pharmacogenetic, electrophysiological, and imaging techniques. The lab investigates how different types of sensory feedback circuits control repetitive and complex motor behavior, with a primary focus on somatosensory and visual feedback.

Our aims are to understand:

• How motor circuits develop to build functional modules at different levels (cortex, brainstem and spinal cord) and how motor learning shapes these circuits.

• How the canonical organization of motor circuits changes after traumatic injury and neurological diseases to compensate for and contribute to motor recovery.

We are currently looking for one post-doc and one Ph.D. student with a strong drive to succeed, a positive attitude and a background in at least one of the disciplines of Neuroscience (physiology, molecular or engineering). Computational background is a big plus. The candidate should also be a team player with good communication skills. In addition to scientific excellence and integrity, we value mentorship, collaboration, innovation and above all, a strong passion over the subject of motor control. Post-doctoral and PhD applicants are expected to start any time after September 1st 2016, with initial 1 year contract with possibility of extension after positive evaluation. Trainees in the lab will be closely supervised, with a goal to have at least one first-author publication in a highly regarded international journal by the end of the training. Empowered by imec, KU Leuven and VIB Starting Date: As early as possible (negotiable). Application Due Date: Applications deadline will continue until the position is filled. Salary: Accordance with KU Leuven and NERF regulations. The Takeoka lab is part of NERF (Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders) a collaborative institute located in Leuven, Belgium, embedded in an excellent neuroscience community (VIB, University of Leuven and imec) among other scientific disciplines.

To apply: Please send your CV, a list of three references with emails and phone numbers, a cover letter describing your past and future projects and career goals, as well as what you hope to get out of the Takeoka Lab to nerf.admin@nerf.be