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Over the last 25 years, the Schuman group has focused on the cell biological processes that govern protein availability at neuronal synapses.  One key aspect concerns the synthesis of proteins.  In neurons, new protein synthesis is required to remodel synapses and is also required for behavioral memories in living animals. Nevertheless, using available tools, it has been impossible to discern the “when” and “where” of protein synthesis dependence for in vitro and in vivo studies. All studies probing the role of protein synthesis have used chemical inhibitors, often common antibiotics, which work very rapidly but are unspecific and as such will block synthesis in every cell they come in contact with.  This characteristic makes experiments where one desires a tight spatial (and temporal) inhibition of synthesis very challenging and in many cases impossible. In this project, the PhD student will develop fully genetically encodable protein synthesis inhibitor that can be combined with any common genetic targeting system. To achieve temporal control over synthesis shutdown the inhibitor will be combined with the inducible TetOn-System. The PhD student receive training in molecular biology, biochemistry, and imaging in a neurobiological context.  Studies will be conducted in both cultured neurons and in vivo, in living animals.