This post offers exciting opportunities for a creative Postdoctoral Neuroscientist who enjoy collaborative, multidisciplinary work.
The post holder will be part of the Sharott Group based at the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit (MRC BNDU), University of Oxford. The Group has a strong track record in studying the functional organisation of the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamic networks in rodents and humans. The Group use transdisciplinary approaches to elucidate the substrates underlying activity dynamics in these brain circuits, employing innovative techniques to monitor and manipulate neurons and to determine their influence on behaviour. The proposed research will take full advantage of the intellectual environment, capital equipment, technical expertise and excellent infrastructure in place at the MRC BNDU.
In addition to having a PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline, candidates should have a promising track record of original research in their field of neuroscience. The main task for the successful candidate will be to develop and implement analysis of multichannel neural data (unit and/or local field potential and/or electrocortiogram) recorded from many brain areas simultaneously in behaving rodents. Often these recordings will also have been made during closed-loop stimulation protocols. Candidates are therefore expected to have technical expertise in advanced signal and statistical analysis on neural data. Expertise in the following methods would be particularly advantageous: spike sorting, data “cleaning” (e.g. artifact removal), analysis of neural oscillations/circular statistics, principal/independent component-based analysis of task-encoding and/or cell assemblies. Experience in using some machine learning/artificial intelligence-based approaches is also desirable. The main objective of the candidate will be data analysis, not computational modelling, although experience in the latter is welcome if it is in addition to high-level experience in signal/statistical analysis. In addition, the candidate will provide evidence of creative and critical thinking as applied to the development and execution of a cohesive programme of research. Experience in neuroscience (preferably in vivo) is strongly preferred, but candidates from other fields may be considered if they can clearly demonstrate relevant skills and their ability to adapt them to this position.
This post is fixed term for up to 25 months, until 31st March 2025, in the first instance.
Only applications received before 12:00 midday on Monday 6th February 2023 will be considered.
Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.