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C. Geoffrey Lau

Cortical inhibitory circuits in health and disease

Plasticity of inhibitory circuits
Circuit dysfunction in neurological disorders
Functional organization of olfactory cortex

How do neuroimmune interactions shape the plasticity of
inhibitory circuits in experience-dependent learning and in disease?

We strive to answer these questions by understanding how neural circuits are organized and represent information during sensory processing and learning in the mammalian cortex, with a focus on inhibitory circuits. We integrate in vivo and in vitro analysis of specific neural circuits by using a combination of electrophysiology, 2-photon imaging, opto-, chemo- & mouse genetics, confocal microscopy, sensory activity manipulation and disease models. Understanding the principles of how specific circuits are connected will lead way to development of therapeutics for various neuropsychiatric disorders like epilepsy, depression, Alzheimer's Disease, and schizophrenia.

Join us!

For Postdoctoral Fellow positions, a PhD degree in engineering/neuroscience/biology is required.

For PhD student positions, 3 PhD tracks are available: (1) Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, (2) Department of Neuroscience PhD programme or (3) the Interdisciplinary PhD Programme in Veterinary Sciences, a programme offered by the CityU in collaboration with Cornell University. Students with outstanding GPA, globally ranked universities, publications and minority groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

Qualities required: interest in neuroscience; Strong command of written and spoken English; strong organizational and interpersonal skills; self motivation and strong work ethics.

Qualities highly desirable: command of MATLAB/python/R, deep learning, brain electrophysiology (in vivo or in vitro), optogenetics, stereotaxic surgery and injection in mice.

Please send your CV and research summary directly to Dr. Geoffrey Lau (geoff.lau@cityu.edu.hk).

olfactory bulb

Piriform cortex

Cajal's view of how the olfactory bulb is connected to the piriform cortex (1891). One of our goals is to understand the neural ciruitry of piriform cortex in terms of cell-type specific connection and function. 

LAU LAB
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