Join our team!

Wednesday, 3 August, 2022

Have you ever wondered what is happening in our brains during fear or anxiety?

Do you want to know how absence epilepsy develops and persist during adolescence?

You can start answering these questions in our lab using various anatomical, electrophysiological, molecular, chemo- and optogenetic tools and behavioural procedures involving experimental animals (mice).

 

Would you like to take part in the experimental work of a team of young neuroscientists?

 

We are looking for motivated, determined BSc/MSc students who are willing to learn new scientific skills to join us as undergraduate researchers or PhD students. Students with background in life sciences are especially welcome, but technical and programming skills are also highly appreciated. At least intermediate (B2) level English language skills are required. Visiting students (e.g., Erasmus) are also welcome.

 

Students in our lab won several local (TDK) and national (OTDK) awards at Scientific Congresses for Undergraduated Students, completed numerous New National Excellence Program (ÚNKP) or Cooperative Doctoral Program (KDP) funded projects and represented our lab successfully at various national and international neuroscientific conferences in the recent years.

 

Currently available PhD topics:

 

Investigation of the basic mechanisms of absence epilepsy

 

Absence epilepsy is a chronic disease characterized by non-convulsive seizures, behavioral arrest,  loss of consciousness and lack of responsiveness to external stimuli. It is known that seizures originate in the cerebral cortex, from where they spread to other cortical areas with the active contribution of the thalamic region, mainly mediated by thalamocortical connections.

 

We plan to carry out our experiments on a special knock-in mutant strain, which has the same mutation that was successfully identified in several members of an Australian family with absence epilepsy and febrile seizures. In this mouse strain, the seizures appear at the same age, the development of seizure activity, and the behavioral and electroencephalographic symptoms are also similar. We plan to record the network oscillations and the underlying cell activity that maintains abnormal thalamocortical oscillations with microelectrodes implanted into the thalamus and cortex. Changes in tonic inhibition will be studied using the in vivo patch clamp technique, while the effect of corticothalamic feedback on seizure activity will be investigated in freely moving animals.

 

 

Knowledge of the English language, knowledge of computerized measurement and evaluation programs, as well as the student's dedication and diligence are essential for successful research work. Experience in the field of in vivo animal experimental work is an advantage.

 

If you feel interested in our work, don't hesitate to contact us!

<< Back

Inspiring images