Research Fellow in Nutrition

Fixed Term, from 3 June 2024 to 31 May 2027

Obesity and related diseases are amongst the most important health issues of the 21st century. Obesity incidence is increasing fast in children and teens in particular who can develop disease early in life that persists into adulthood. One of the main causes of obesity, diabetes and related diseases is the overconsumption of highly palatable energy-rich foods. An understanding of the long-term impact on brain and behaviour, especially on the control of feeding and food choice is essential for a better understanding of the effect of the modern lifestyle on feeding behaviours and health.

The University of Aberdeen has a 100-year history of ground-breaking science in nutrition and health, principally led by researchers within the Rowett Institute (RI).  Dr Fabien Naneix is Lecturer in Neuroscience and group leader at the RI. The overall aim of his research is to understand the development and the vulnerability of brain circuits underlying food-seeking and other motivated behaviours. For this the lab combines state-of-the-art techniques to target, record and manipulate specific brain circuits.

We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated post-doctoral fellow to join the Naneix group to drive cutting edge research in the field of reward-related behaviours and nutrition. Specifically, you will investigate how dietary habits during adolescence impact food-seeking, food choices and their related neurobiological circuits. The role will involve performing behavioural experiments in mice in combination with in vivo recordings (fibre photometry) and manipulation (chemogenetics/optogenetics) of specific brain circuits.

It is essential that you hold a PhD/D.Phil in Neuroscience, psychology, biomedical sciences or related field. Applicants should have a strong record of graduate research, including first-author publications in neuroscience and/or behavioural science journals. You will also have experience in histochemistry and/or molecular biology. Previous experience in surgical in vivo techniques or programming will also be highly valued.

Salary will be at the appropriate point on the Grade 6, £37,099 - £39,347 per annum, pro rata and negotiable with placement according to qualifications and experience.Funding limited from 03 June 2024 to 31 May 2027.

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Fabien Naneix, Lecturer (Fabien.naneix@abdn.ac.uk).

Should you require a visa to undertake employment in the UK you will be required to fulfil the minimum points criteria to be granted a Certificate of Sponsorship under the requirements of the Skilled Worker visa.  At the time an offer of appointment is made, you will be asked to demonstrate that you fulfil the criteria in respect of qualification and competency in English. For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. Please do not hesitate to contact Grant Rae, HR Adviser (e-mail: grant.rae@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.

To apply online for this position please click the 'Apply' button, above.

The School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring.  Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.

Closing date: 30th April 2024

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