PhD in Neuroscience

Neuronal circuits of anxiety in the ventral hippocampus The ventral hippocampus is a cortical brain region involved in the genesis of anxiety responses and context-dependent emotional behavior. We have recently identified selective neuronal mechanisms for anxiety and fear in ventral hippocampal circuits. The postdoc project will address the neuronal basis of anxiety behavior by recording/imaging from- and interfering with- identified neuronal cell-types of the ventral hippocampus. The postdoc project relies on an innovative cross-level approach combining single-unit recordings and/or Ca2+imaging of genetically identified neurons, selective optogenetic strategies, cell-type specific viral tracing and behavioral paradigms in mice, also including a disease model. We are seeking for a highly motivated candidate with a PhD in Neuroscience-related disciplines (Biology, Engineering, Medicine) and with a strong interest in the neuronal circuits underlying emotions. Candidates with advanced programming skills in data analysis and signal processing are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates must be proficient in English. The postdoctoral scientist will be hosted by lab of Prof. Dr. Stéphane Ciocchi at the Department of Physiology of the University of Bern. How to apply: Please send a CV, a cover letter with a brief statement of career goals and 2 references to: [email protected]. Candidates will be evaluated starting in February 2026 and until the position is filled. Only short-listed candidates will be further contacted. The postdoctoral scientist is expected to start in April/Mai 2026. References: Scaling of ventral hippocampal activity during anxiety C Cerquetella, C Gontier, T Forro, JP Pfister, S Ciocchi Journal of Neuroscience 45 (12), 2025 Distinct ventral hippocampal inhibitory microcircuits regulating anxiety and fear behaviors K Li, K Koukoutselos, M Sakaguchi, S Ciocchi Nature Communications 15 (1), 8228, 2024 Activity of ventral hippocampal parvalbumin interneurons during anxiety E Volitaki, T Forro, K Li, T Nevian, S Ciocchi Cell reports 43 (6), 2024 Fear extinction relies on ventral hippocampal safety codes shaped by the amygdala R Nguyen, K Koukoutselos, T Forro, S Ciocchi Science Advances 9 (22), eadg4881, 2023