Group Leaders NERF

NERF is the new centre for Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders. It is a joint basic research initiative, set up by VIB, imec and KU Leuven to understand the function of brain circuits. At NERF basic neuroscientific questions are addressed through collaborative, interdisciplinary research, combining nanoelectronics with neurobiology. The center intends to push the boundaries of science, by zooming in on the functioning of neural circuits at an unprecedented level of detail. In the long run, NERF will generate new insights into the functional capabilities of the circuits of the mind as well as into research methodologies and technologies for medical applications, i.e. diagnostics and treatment of disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system (see www.NERF.be).

NERF is housed on the imec campus in Leuven, Belgium, where researchers work in cross-disciplinary teams, benefitting from imec’s state-of-the-art clean room infrastructure and a new 800 m² well equipped neuro-science lab, dedicated to NERF. NERF has already recruited 3 teams of top-notch researchers doing worldclass basic research in neural circuit analysis and is recruiting 2 additional groups. The focus is on unraveling the input and output signals of individual neurons, which underlie collective computations in neuronal circuits in the brain of living, behaving animals. Devices to do so will be developed in close collaboration with imec research teams on site. By 2014, NERF aims to expand its international team to about 50 excellent researchers, organized in 5 research groups with complementary interests and technical skills, each led by an independent group leader. A long term foundation of financial support is provided by the 3 founders and the Government of Flanders. NERF scientists will be able to work closely with a wide range of over 30 neuroscience research groups covering a wide range of expertise (such as neuronal communication, axon guidance, brain-computer interface, electrophysiology, …) and core and service facilities (such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, imaging, electronic and mechanical workshops, animal housing…) already established at the 3 founding institutions.

You will investigate the functioning of the brain in a living animal. The focus is on studying information processing in neuronal circuits using experimental and computational methods (with particular emphasis on awake and behaving animals) or theoretical approaches. In close collaboration with imec research teams you will be involved in the design and development of ground breaking devices, beyond the current state-of-theart. You will be empowered by working closely together with a wide range of experts from the 3 founding institutions, providing the NERF labs with a unique competitive advantage.

As a NERF Group Leader, you will be responsible for:
• developing an innovative research program, fitting the mission and research objectives of NERF
• organizing and managing your own research group
• interacting with the other NERF research groups and the research community of imec, VIB and KU Leuven, active in the field.

The package offered will consist of:
• a competitive group leader salary
• a start-up package
• continuous funding of your own research group with 3 full time positions
• full access to local and international competitive grants
• dedicated lab space
• privileged access to the core facilities of VIB, imec and KU Leuven
• an exciting intellectual and research environment.

​The successful candidate:
• has done at least several years of research as a postdoctoral associate or junior faculty member, with a proven track record of publications in leading journals in the field
• is able to set up and manage a research team of postdoctoral and postgraduate researchers and technicians
• is enthusiastic, inquisitive, focused on problem solving and a team player
• is able to start research activities at NERF within a year after being selected.