by which internal states affect circuit function to orchestrate behavioural changes.
The lab uses state-of-the-art approaches, such as multi-site optical/electrophysiological recordings, behavioural profiling, optogenetics, viral tracing and (spatial) transcriptomics, to address these fundamental questions. In recent work we have uncovered how ovarian hormones remodel hypothalamic neurons to drive the onset of parental behaviour during pregnancy [3] and how hypothalamic neurons integrate hunger and hormonal state to gate infant-directed aggression [4].
Projects are typically developed based on mutual interest and often shaped by the lab's recent findings. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Kohl to discuss opportunities in more detail.
Candidate background
Candidates should have a background in neuroscience, biosciences, engineering, or a related field. We are looking for highly motivated and creative individuals that thrive in a collaborative setting. Since projects in the lab typically involve acquiring and analysing complex datasets, quantitative and programming skills are essential.
Lab-specific question
What do you think is the most important unanswered question in the area of state-dependent or lifestage-specific brain plasticity, and how would you address it?
Funding Notes
Successful applicants will be awarded a non-taxable annual stipend of £27,715 plus payment of university tuition fees. Students of all nationalities are eligible to apply.
References
- Kohl, J., Babayan, B.M., Rubinstein, N.D., Autry, A.E., Marin-Rodriguez, B., Kapoor, V., . . . Dulac, C. (2018) Functional circuit architecture underlying parental behaviour. Nature 556: 326–331.
- Wei, D., Talwar, V. and Lin, D. (2021) Neural circuits of social behaviors: Innate yet flexible. Neuron 109: 1600–1620.
- Ammari, R., Monaca, F., Cao, M., Nassar, E., Wai, P., Del Grosso, N.A., . . . Kohl, J. (2023) Hormone-mediated neural remodeling orchestrates parenting onset during pregnancy. Science 382: 76–81.
- Cao, M., Ammari, R., Chen, M.X., Wai, P., Jamieson, B.B., Liang, S., . . . Kohl, J. (2025) Integration of hunger and hormonal state gates infant-directed aggression. Nature 648: 138–145.
- Husain, B.F.A. and Kohl, J. (2025) Plasticity of the parental brain. Current Opinion in Neurobiology 95: 103129.
