Postdoctoral Research Associate in Circuit/Systems Neuroscience - Neural Circuits for Spatial Orientation (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate position in the lab of Dr. Sepiedeh Keshavarzi at the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/), University of Cambridge.

The position involves investigating the organisation and function of neural circuits underlying spatial orientation and self-motion perception, funded by the Wellcome Trust. The project provides the opportunity to integrate behaviour, electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and circuit manipulation across thalamic and cortical networks involved in navigation, using the mouse model. For more information about the lab's research questions and approaches, please visit https://www.keshavarzilab.com/.

The successful candidate will have:

• Experimental proficiency in electrophysiology (in vivo or ex vivo) or calcium imaging (in vivo).
• Proficiency in data analysis with strong critical thinking skills.
• Excellent science communication skills in English, both verbal and written.
• A clear interest in the lab's research program.

Preference will be given to candidates demonstrating the following desirable skills and achievements:

• Proficient programming skills in Python (or Matlab).
• Expertise in designing and controlling bespoke experimental setups.
• Expertise in developing behavioural tasks for rodents.
• A strong track record of research output and achievements.

Role Summary:

The role involves developing and conducting novel behavioural experiments to study spatial orientation abilities in mice, recording neural activity using electrophysiology and/or calcium imaging techniques, manipulating specific circuits and cell types with opto- and chemogenetics, as well as designing and performing data analysis. In addition to research activities, the postholder is expected to present research findings, contribute to writing articles, and provide training and supervision to students and other junior lab members.

Research Environment and Training Opportunities:

We are a welcoming and inclusive group, strongly committed to providing mentoring, training, and support for the career development of all lab members. The postdoctoral fellow will join a multidisciplinary research environment, closely interacting with other circuit/systems neuroscience groups. The regular seminars held at the Department and various scientific and networking events organised by the Cambridge Neuroscience Network will further provide excellent opportunities for scientific discussion and networking with fellow researchers and the wider neuroscience community.

Training opportunities in experimental and computational approaches new to the applicant will be available, including support for attending top international workshops/courses. Additionally, regular interactions with the principal investigator will ensure continuous career mentorship and support, along with scientific supervision. The position also offers possibilities for collaboration with hardware and software engineers and computational neuroscientists.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the following:

- Your motivation for joining the lab.

- How your research skills align with the job description.

- Your research ambitions and career goals.

Additionally, provide the contact details of two individuals who can serve as references. The post is available from May 2024 onwards for an initial three-year term, with the possibility for extension.

Informal enquiries about the position can be made to Dr Sepiedeh Keshavarzi (sk2244@cam.ac.uk).

Closing Date: 29 March 2024. Please note that we will be reviewing applications on a regular basis. We reserve the right to close the position early once the available position is filled.

To learn more about this position and what the University offers please see the Further Particulars.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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