SND internship: Analysis of behavioral states in neonatal mice

The lab

In this project of the Synapse and Network Development group, led by Prof. Christian Lohmann, we study how acetylcholine modulates the activity of the developing mouse visual cortex. To address these questions, we use in vivo two-photon and widefield imaging, chemogenetics, optogenetics, as well as behavioral measurements.

Specific objectives and tasks

Mammals display a range of facial expressions to communicate their emotions. Studies in adult mice have shown that it is possible to identify behavioral states and stereotyped behaviors from face video recordings (Langford et al., 2010, Dolensek et al., 2020). Is it also possible to extract behavioral information from the facial expressions of neonatal mice? How does this behavioral repertoire in mice compare to that of other neonatal mammals, like humans?

In this project, we aim to analyze face videos and body sensor recordings to characterize stereotyped behaviors that we may later correlate with neural activity. The candidate will assist with:

a)    Analysis of mouse face videos from neonatal mice using Python packages such as DeepLabCut, FaceMap, or Keypoint MoSeq.

b)    Characterization of behavioral states and stereotyped behaviors based on the face video analysis and body sensor recordings.

c)     Reviewing the literature on the development of behavior in neonatal mammals to contextualize and generalize the findings.

This internship offers you the opportunity to apply modern computer vision and clustering algorithms to a Systems Neuroscience project. You will gain experience with computational approaches widely used across neuroscience fields, while learning about behavior in young mammals. In addition, you will learn about other projects in the lab and improve your presentation skills during lab meetings.

Requirements

• The candidate should have an interest in both aspects of the project: behavior and computation. For this reason, we encourage applications from candidates with a background in neuroscience and basic experience with Python
• Fluent in English

Appointment

The internship is full-time, for a duration between 3 and 6 months. The starting date is flexible during the summer. Please note that there will be no financial support provided for this internship by the institute.

Application

Please email your application to d.cabrera@nin.knaw.nl with the subject line “SND internship – [Your name]”, including the following documents:

• A short cover letter or email explaining what interests you about the project and highlighting relevant previous experience.
  Up-to-date CV.
• One recommendation letter, if possible.
• Evaluation of candidates will continue until the vacancy is filled. Interested candidates are also welcome to contact us or visit us!