Neurobiological basis of mood disorders in the human nucleus basalis of Meynert

Mood disorders are strongly linked to suicide and cognitive impairments, making them major health concerns worldwide. The cholinergic system plays an important role in mood regulation. With in situ hybridization, this project aims to investigate the expression of choline acetyltransferase in the human nucleus basalis of Meynert and its association with mood disorders, suicide and cognitive impairments. In addition, the expression of mitochondria markers will be measured by immunohistochemistry.

In this project. you will study:

1. The neuroanatomy and neurobiology of the human hypothalamus.
2. Sample collection and matching in human brain research.
3. Paraffin section preparation.
4. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical staining.
5. Image preparation with Zeiss system.
6. Imaging analysis.
7. Data collection and statistical analysis.
8. Graph preparation (graphical illustration and figure adjustment).
9. Academic writing and presentation.

We are looking for BSc or MSc students who are interested in cognitive neuroscience, neurobiology and psychiatry, and are available full-time for 5-6 months.

Requirements:

• Strong interest in the field of neuroscience and neuropsychiatry.
• Experience in a neurobiological lab.
• Highly organized working style.

Information:

For additional information please contact Lin Zhang (l.zhang@nin.knaw.nl).

Application and deadline:

Applicants are requested to submit a curriculum vitae. The motivation letter is not required. Feel free to submit the CV twice in the application form below.