Synaptic transmission and plasticity in cognitive disability I

The requested candidate should be enrolled in a Bioscience program with Professional
Training Year (PTY). The candidate will carry out electrophysiology experiments using patch
clamp on brain and spinal cord slices from animal models of cognitive disability (Fragile X
Syndrome; Alzheimer’s disease) to investigate alterations in synaptic transmission and plasticity.
The project is focused on two aspects: 1) pain transmission in the spinal cord; 2) synaptic plasticity in
the hippocampus, a brain area crucially involved in learning and memory.
Applications and Curriculum Vitae will be examined to select 2 candidates based on their previous
background (education, laboratory skills; research achievements).
After selection, students will be required to:
- provide certificates about safety in workplaces, obtained in their home country;
- fill the medical history questionnaire provided by University of Catania.