BOLSA NEUROCIÊNCIAS

Project NS2010/ISAN

A call for applications is open to award one research grant to graduates, under the Project entitled
"Searching for the neurobiological targets through which prenatal corticosteroids program adult
social and affective behaviors", founded by Institute for the Study of Affective Neuroscience (ISAN).

1. Duration and Terms of the Activity: duration is 18 months, with starting date predicted for 1st of April
2010. The research activities will be carried out at the Life and Health Sciences Research Institute
(ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.

2. Job summary: The researcher will integrate the Neuroscience Research domain, which consists of a
multidisciplinary team with strong expertise in animal behavioral characterization, imaging tools,
stereology and molecular biology techniques. The researcher will characterize in detail an animal model
of early life stress in a behavioral, structural, molecular and neurochemical perspective.

3. Profile: The researcher should be a graduate or master in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences or
similar areas. He/she should be extremely dynamic and capable of designing an experiment and critically
analyze the data. Preference will be given to candidates with solid experience in animal manipulation and
behavioral analysis. Experience in basic molecular biology techniques (PCR, western blotting, Real-Time
PCR) is a plus. Supervision: Nuno Sousa/Ana João Rodrigues.

4. Evaluation Criteria: the evaluation will be based on the applicant’s merit, taking into account the
academic profile, the curriculum vitae as well as experience in scientific research with relevance to this
project.

5. Monthly Stipend: 750 euros.

6. Application Documents: motivation letter, 2-3 recommendation letters, Curriculum Vitae, copy of the
degree certificate as well as other documents considered to be relevant.

7. Application: Applications will be accepted up to 7th March 2010. All applications must be sent or
delivered to:
Ana João Rodrigues
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Health Sciences
University of Minho
Campus de Gualtar
4710-057 Braga
email: ajrodrigues@ecsaude.uminho.pt

8. Project Description
In order to accelerate lung maturation, corticosteroids are prescribed during late gestation to approximately
10% of pregnant women. However, early life experiences, namely stress exposure or administration of
corticosteroids, have long-term behavioral effects in adulthood including increased vulnerability to a variety
of neurological and psychiatric disorders (3). We have previously shown that administration of the synthetic