Neuroscience MSc. INTERNSHIP at the University of Cambridge
-Cognitive tests for schizophreniaWe are looking for a highly motivated student currently enrolled in a neuroscience master
programme (or equivalent) with interest in animal cognition and psychopathology, to join our lab in
the department of Experimental Psychology in Cambridge (U.K.).
Our lab (led by Tim Bussey and Lisa Saksida) is interested in learning and memory with a focus on
changes in cognition in psychopathological and neurodegenerative conditions (such as schizophrenia
and Alsheimer’s). To test changes in higher cognitive processes, we have developed a touchscreen
operant chamber (see picture) that allows us to subject animals to a wide range of cognitive tasks.
You will be involved in research into the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia: besides the wellknown positive symptoms of schizophrenia such as hallucinations and delusions, patients also suffer
from memory impairments and problems with social
behaviour. Cognitive symptoms are relatively unresponsive to
current treatment options and are not often used in drug
development. You will be working on the validation of a
paired associate learning task (object in place), see Talpos et
al, 2009 (Psychopharmacology) and a spatial learning task
(TUNL; Talpos et al, 2010, Neurobiol. Learning and Memory)
in the touch-screen equipped operant chamber. These tasks
are both dependent on a close interaction between the
prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus and performance on
these tasks is impaired in schizophrenic patients. The overall
aim of the project is to unravel the underlying
neuroanatomical and biological processes involved in these
tasks, by analyzing immediate early gene expression (a measure for brain activity) and studying
behaviour in lesion or cannulation experiments. The exact project description will be discussed and
depends on starting date/ duration of visit.
You will be working under direct supervision of Dr. Charlotte Oomen (post-doc), in the lab of Dr. Tim
Bussey and Dr. Lisa Saksida in collaboration with Prof. Trevor Robbins. Starting date/ duration to be
discussed.
Possible techniques:
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designing and executing cognitive tasks in touch-screen operant chambers
immunohistochemistry of immediate early gene expression and adult neurogenesis
analysis and quantification of immunohistochemical stainings
lesion and drug infusion studies
Please send your c.v. and motivation to Charlotte Oomen, or drop me an email if you want to know
more (cao34@cam.ac.uk)
For more info on Cambridge neuroscience: http://www.neuroscience.cam.ac.uk/