Post-doctoral researcher in Neuroscience

Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Rovereto; In loco; EUR 35.000 - 41.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A leading research institution in Rovereto seeks a Post-doctoral researcher in Neuroscience. The role involves studying synaptic connectivity and plasticity linked to visual processing, using innovative methodologies. Candidates must have a PhD in a related field and skills in data analysis, programming, and communication. This position offers a competitive salary starting around €35,000 gross annually, with the possibility of a tax exemption for relocating researchers. Join a diverse team focused on groundbreaking research in a picturesque environment.

Servizi

Competitive salary

Strong support for fellowship applications

Training and mentorship opportunities

Competenze

• PhD in neuroscience or related disciplines.
• Experience with neurophysiological methods.
• Strong programming skills in Python or Matlab.
• Effective communication skills in English.

Mansioni

• Lead and execute independent research projects.
• Present findings at international conferences.
• Contribute to writing manuscripts for journals.
• Provide training and supervision to students.

Conoscenze

Critical thinking

Scientific independence

Neurophysiological methods

Data analysis

Programming in Python or Matlab

Experimental design

Science communication in English

Formazione

PhD in neuroscience or related STEM/engineering disciplines

Descrizione del lavoro

Post-doctoral researcher in Neuroscience

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 1 March 2026

Employment Start Date: 1 September 2026

Contract Length: 2 years (renewable up to 5)

Department: Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems

Description:

Synaptic Connectivity and Plasticity of Visuo-Motor Cortical Circuits

The Rossi Lab invites applications for a postdoctoral position at the Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems (CNCS), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rovereto (Italy).

The successful candidate will investigate the synaptic connectivity and plasticity of cortical circuits underlying adaptive visual processing and visually guided behaviour, using the mouse model.

Role summary

The postdoctoral researcher will study the connectivity and plasticity of circuits linking visual and motor cortical areas. The project combines:

• development of novel visually guided behavioral tasks
• two-photon imaging, including dendritic and synaptic imaging
• connectivity mapping with viral tracing and optogenetics

The goal is to determine how computations at the level of dendrites, local circuits, and inter-areal communication contribute to learning new visuo-motor associations.

The postholder will: lead and execute independent research projects; present findings at international conferences; contribute to writing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals; provide training and supervision to PhD and Master’s students.

Host Lab

The Functional Architecture of Neural Circuits Lab aims to understand how the specialised activity of individual neurons and brain areas emerges from the architecture of their synaptic connections, how gene expression predisposes their organisation, and how plasticity enables learning.

To address these questions, we study the neural architectures underlying adaptive visual processing and visually guided behaviour in mice, combining approaches from systems neuroscience, physiology, anatomy, and molecular biology to link function, connectivity, and gene expression across scales.

More information: https://rossilab.iit.it/

Candidate profile

We are looking for candidates with a PhDs in neuroscience or a related STEM or engineering disciplines, who wonder at the marvels of experimental observation, enjoy crafting new tools to investigate neurophysiology and animal behaviour, and are eager to challenge their expertise. Besides track record and interest for the lab research programme, selection will be based on: critical thinking and scientific independence; experience in in neurophysiological methods; solid data analysis and programming skills in Python or Matlab; expertise in designing and controlling experimental and behavioural setups; effective science communication skills in English.

Salary and contract

• Initial 2-year contract, fully funded, renewable up to 5 years.
• Negotiable start date, ideally in first half of 2026
• Competitive salary, negotiable based on experience (starting at ~€35,000 gross/year).
• Researchers relocating to Italy after >2 years abroad (or after a PhD abroad) may be eligible for a 90% tax exemption, significantly increasing net salary.

While fully funded, successful candidates will receive strong support to apply for prestigious fellowships, including EMBO, Marie Skłodowska-Curie, HFSP, L’Oréal–UNESCO, and Newton International Fellowships.

Research environment and training:

The Rossi lab is a co-founder and supporter of the SAFE Labs network. Details on the lab culture and policies can be found here .

The researcher will join a growing diverse, multidisciplinary and collegial group, and will be offered direct training, supervision and mentorship from the principal investigator. They will be also encouraged to attend top international workshops and courses, as well as training provided within IIT and our partners at University of Trento.

The IIT-CNCS in Rovereto is located in the Trentino region, nested between lake Garda and the Dolomite mountains, offering easy access to spectacular natural beauty, mountaineering, skiing and exceptional quality of life.

How to apply

To enquire about the position and application process, please contact
Dr Federico Rossi ([e-mail] ). Please include:

• a cover letter describing your research experience, interests, and career goals;
• a CV;