Poirazi Lab (www.dendrites.gr), Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB),
Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
 Position type: Full Time, Fixed Term, available from 1st April 2023 for 2-3 years (renewable)
 Salary:
o Postdoc: Commensurate with experience: 26k€ – 36k€ per annum (including benefits)
o PhD student: 18k€ per annum (including benefits)
 Closing date: applications will be screened continuously until the position is filled
 Project: “The role of memory engrams in the cortex” (IDEAS grant, funded by NHMRC,
Australia)
We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr. Panayiota Poirazi
at IMBB-FORTH as a postdoctoral fellow or as a PhD student.
About the project
The successful applicant will work on a multidisciplinary collaborative project aiming to determine
the importance of cortical engram cells in memory formation and storage and probe the role of cortical
memory engrams in the generation and retrieval of a sensory-based memory. The project as a whole
combines computational modeling, electrophysiology, calcium imaging techniques, and molecular and
behavioral experiments. First, the biophysical properties of engrams will be identified in a cortical area
of interest, and their functional role will be unraveled in vivo. Then, computational modeling will be
used to determine the role of engram cells during memory recall. This project is a collaboration
between the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health in Melbourne, Australia (Prof. L.
Palmer), and the University of Dublin, Ireland (Prof. T. Ryan).
The successful applicant will work on 1) behavioral and 2-photon imaging experiments in behaving
mice and/or 2) help extend a computational circuit model (Kastellakis et al., Cell Reports, 2016) to
dissect the role of subcellular mechanisms in cortical engram formation. The model will simulate the
recorded cortical engrams in specific areas (auditory / prefrontal cortex).
Poirazi Lab
The Poirazi Lab investigates how dendrites and their integrative properties contribute to learning and
memory-related functions, using computational and experimental techniques. Our models explain
findings and predict new roles for dendrites in functions such as spatial navigation/learning, working
memory, associative memory, visual processing, etc. We also perform behavioral experiments in mice
and use 2-photon imaging of prefrontal cortical neurons to investigate the cellular correlates of flexible
behavior. The laboratory offers a thriving and lively research environment and is well-funded by
several competitive grants.
Position qualifications
Postdoc position: The ideal candidate should have a Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related field. We
welcome applications from candidates with diverse educational backgrounds, including biology,
computational biology, physics, applied mathematics and engineering, that have demonstrated
research experience in neuroscience. Applicants must have a proven publication record in neuroscience
and be highly motivated and creative individuals who want to work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary
research environment. They should be willing to interact with both experimental and theoretical
neuroscientists. Previous experience should include in vivo recordings in rodents and/or solid
programming background (Python, NEURON, Linux). Experience with experimental procedures/data
collection and analysis is desirable. The ability to work in a team is essential.
PhD position: The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor/MSc degree in neuroscience or a related
field. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse educational backgrounds, including
biology, computational biology, physics, applied mathematics and engineering, that have at least some
training in neuroscience. Applicants must be highly motivated and creative individuals who want to
work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment. They should be willing to interact with
both experimental and theoretical neuroscientists. Previous experience including experiments with
rodents and/or solid programming background (Python, NEURON, Linux) is desirable.
More information
IMBB (www.imbb.forth.gr) is part of FORTH (www.forth.gr), a European center of Excellence.
IMBB is one of Greece’s most prominent life science research institutions, with an outstanding record
of scientific achievements, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a broad range of research, innovation,
and high quality, inspirational, educational activities. In addition, IMBB is strongly committed to
inclusivity, promoting equality, and celebrating diversity among its staff and students. The wide range
of research activities in the Institute aims at understanding the fundamental biological processes
operating in living organisms. IMBB also hosts interdisciplinary research programs at the interface of
biology with informatics, chemistry, physics and medicine and is heavily involved in providing post-
graduate students with high-level education through joint graduate programs with the University of
Crete. An additional standing mandate of IMBB is the exploitation and translation of acquired
knowledge to tangible societal benefits, including the development of new technologies, innovative
products and services. IMBB is located close to Heraklion, the largest city and the administrative
capital of the island of Crete, located south of the Greek mainland. It is the fifth-largest city in Greece
with a population of >140,000 and is famous for its lively lifestyle and the outstanding outdoors.
Application and Selection process
Interested candidates should send via email:
(1) a CV
(2) a motivation letter
(3) a list of two-three referees (names and contact info)
to Dr. Poirazi (poirazi@imbb.forth.gr), adding “Cortical Engrams: Postdoctoral or PhD position” in
the subject. Applications will be screened continuously until the position is filled. Informal inquiries
are welcome.

2023-02-20 :Please read more of this post …