jeudi 26 décembre 2013

PhD-vacancy - Neurogenomics of vocal learning: decoding the functions of FoxPs in vocal perception and production learning

Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, NL (Prof Dr Carel ten Cate, Dr Katharina Riebel) in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen (Prof Dr Simon Fisher) and the Free University of Berlin (Prof. Dr Constance Scharff)

This project on the role of FoxPs in vocal perception and production learning is part of nine PhD-positions funded by the NWO Gravitation Programme which was granted to the Dutch Research Consortium 'Language in Interaction'

The discovery that the FOXP2 gene is implicated in speech and language provided the first molecular windows into this trait. One way to decipher the roles of genes such as FOXP2 is through comparative research using songbirds - birds that acquire their songs by auditory-guided vocal learning. Using FoxP knockdown technology, the aim of this project is to assess functions of zebra finch FoxP genes for a novel subject: the perception, discrimination and processing of vocalizations, such as natural songs, along with strings of song elements organized according to artificial grammar algorithms. This promises unique insights into evolutionary precursors of linguistic function in non-speaking species.

This project will involve collaborative work to be carried out at Leiden University (where the candidate will be appointed), the MPI at Nijmegen and the Free University of Berlin. It contains a combination of advanced molecular neurogenomic experiments, using knock-out and gene expression techniques with behavioral studies on vocal perception and learning.

Requirements:
Candidates must have a Master’s degree in biology or biomedical science and a solid background in molecular genetics, cell biology or neurobiology.

For more background on terms of appointment, the consortium and the application procedure: see

Further information on the project:

Prof. Carel ten Cate, C.J.ten.Cate@biology.leidenuniv.nl and/or Prof. Simon Fisher, Simon.Fisher@mpi.nl