Scientific Researcher/Postdoc scholar

The serotonin (5-HT) system is essential for brain development and is closely linked to neurodevelopmental disorders such as anxiety and depression. While serotonergic axons reach most forebrain regions by birth, their maturation involves region- and time-specific innervation that extends into adolescence. Our lab has used whole-brain tissue clearing, light-sheet imaging, and machine learning to map the spatial and temporal dynamics of serotonin axon development. However, these methods lack the resolution needed to analyse axon branching and synapse formation. This project aims to establish a high-resolution imaging pipeline by incorporating expansion microscopy (ExM) into our existing workflow. The goal is to visualise serotonergic wiring at subcellular resolution across developmental stages, enabling analysis of how circuit assembly is altered when crucial wiring regulators are disrupted. This work will lay the foundation for linking abnormal serotonin wiring to the emergence of neurodevelopmental disorders.
We are looking for a highly motivated individual who will thrive in a friendly and supportive group. Candidates must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) due to be completed within 6 months in neuroscience, psychiatry or a related field. Basic biochemistry and molecular biology skillsets are required. We strongly encourage applications from candidates with advanced microscope training. Rodent working experience, especially mouse genetics training, is preferred.