We welcome motivated new members to rotate/join our lab. Our primary goal is to identify how our brain processes sounds to extract complex patterns, such as vocalizations. Using the mouse auditory cortex as a model system, we combine cutting-edge techniques (e.g., in vivo Neuropixels recording, two-photon calcium imaging, and optogenetics in behaving mice) to dissect the circuit mechanisms that connect sound inputs to behavioral outputs.
We value a collegial environment in which the PI and the members work closely in a small group. Trainees receive hands-on mentorship in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing.
Selected Publications:
1. Tsukano H, Garcia MM, Dandu PR, Kato HK. (2026) Orbitofrontal cortex drives predictive filtering of sensory responses. Nat Neurosci in press.
2. Garcia MM, Kline AM, Onodera K, Tsukano H, Dandu PR, Acosta HC, Kasten MR, Manis PB, Kato HK. (2025) Noncanonical short-latency auditory pathway directly activates deep cortical layers. Nat Commun 16:5911.
3. Onodera K and Kato HK. (2022) Translaminar recurrence from layer 5 suppresses superficial cortical layers. Nat Commun 13:2585.
4. Kline AM, Aponte DA, Tsukano H, Giovannucci A, Kato HK. (2021) Inhibitory gating of coincidence-dependent sensory binding in secondary auditory cortex.
Nat Commun 12:4610.
5. Aponte DA, Handy G, Kline AM, Tsukano H, Doiron B, Kato HK. (2021) Recurrent network dynamics shape direction selectivity in primary auditory cortex.
Nat Commun 12: 314.
6. Kato HK, Asinof SK, Isaacson JS. (2017) Network-level control of frequency tuning in auditory cortex. Neuron 95: 412-423.
7. Kato HK, Gillet SN, Isaacson JS. (2015) Flexible sensory representations in auditory cortex driven by behavioral relevance. Neuron 88: 1027-1039.
Postdoc position
Qualifications:
- The ideal candidate would have a Ph.D. in neuroscience-related fields.
- Previous experience in electrophysiology, imaging, and/or engineering is appreciated.
- At least one first-author publication.
Please contact kato@email.unc.edu with:
- Current CV
- Cover letter describing research interests
- Contact information for at least two references
Research technician position
Please apply through the official UNC posting: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/312833