2021 Internship @ The University of Tokyo
The University of Tokyo
Apply by 26 February 2021
Department: International Research Center for Neurointelligence (IRCN)
Internship Description:
The University of Tokyo, International Research Center for Neurointelligence (IRCN) offers three research internship opportunities to graduate students.
- Multiphoton imaging and functional neuronal circuits in visual cortex (Supervisor/Mentor: Kenichi Ohki, M.D., Ph.D.)
The cerebral cortex acquires complex response selectivity by processing information received from the outside world. It is still unclear what kind of neural circuitry is responsible for this information processing. Recent advances in imaging technology (two-photon imaging) have made it possible to measure the activity of thousands of neurons simultaneously (Ohki et al., 2005 and 2006). Other techniques for studying neural circuits are being developed one after another, and neuroscience research is undergoing a transformation. We are using these new techniques to investigate how the neural circuits of the mammalian visual cortex process information.
Research Themes
(1) Functional organization in the visual cortex
(2) Development of neural circuits in the visual cortex
(3) Information representation in the visual cortex
(4) Roles of each cell-type in the processing of visual information - Transitory brain dynamics research (Supervisor/Mentor: Takamitsu Watanabe, M.D., Ph.D.)
In this internship, the successful applicants are expected to engage in human neuroimaging research on global and local brain dynamics. If their interests are in computational approach, they can join in projects that apply several data-driven analyses to large human functional/structural MRI data. If they have interests in more experimental studies, they can also be involved in psychophysics human studies using fMRI/EEG/TMS. - Research on the neuronal mechanism for bird song learning (Supervisor/Mentor: Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama, Ph.D.)
Like humans learn to speak songbirds learn to sing from their auditory experiences during development. Male zebra finches, one of the premier models of songbirds which we are using in our lab, listen and memorize tutors’ (normally their fathers’) songs first, and then vocally match memories of tutors’ songs to develop their own songs which are used for their courtship behaviors. In our lab, we are interested in how early tutor song experiences shape neuronal circuits in the juvenile brain to form a memory, and how established neuronal circuits regulate their vocal learning and social behaviors. Our lab has been using the cutting-edge techniques of electrophysiology, viral vectors, 2D and 3D brain anatomy as well as behavioral analysis to understand underlying neuronal mechanisms in zebra finch song learning and social behaviors and regarding auditory information processing. We will welcome highly motivated intern students who will join our research projects especially; 1) Anatomical tracking of brain circuit developments in tissue clearing samples 2) Behavioral analysis of social interaction effects on juvenile song learning 3) Electrophysiological analysis of memories of multi auditory experiences. We are also welcome students to bring in projects upon discussions.
Program Method:
In-person
Funding:
Round-trip airfare, accommodation and stipend for meals will be covered by IRCN.
Duration:
3-6 months
(The duration and start/end dates can be decided through discussion with the host laboratory)
How to Apply
1. Application Form (Designated Format)
2. CV
3. Reference letter from the supervisor of home institution
4. A one-page (single-spaced) statement covering:
a. A description of your current research
b. Reasons for participating in the internship
Send the above application materials to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Contact for more information:
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Additional Information:
Applicants must be graduate students.