Research Assistant / Associate (Fixed Term)

Location: Central Cambridge

The Tamura Lab for Circuit Physiology of Cognition is based in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (PDN) of the University of Cambridge. Why can we easily notice a friend in a crowd and say 'Hello'? Previous neurophysiological studies have revealed how visual inputs are analysed, memorised and recalled, but how the recalled memory is then used to improve perception and make cognitive decisions remains poorly understood. We are investigating brain-wide neuronal circuits signalling object memory for guiding cognitive and perceptual decision makings by developing cutting-edge opto-physiological approaches to marmosets. 

The common marmoset is a small non-human primate highly suited for advanced circuit interrogation techniques including high-density electrophysiology, optical imaging and optogenetics, and is developing into the next generation animal model to study physiology and pathology of cognitive functions. University of Cambridge has a world-renowned marmoset neuroscience facility equipped with a 9.4-Tesla MRI and a PET scanners, fully supported by experienced staff. 

Your role as a creative circuit physiologist 

We are looking for an ambitious and creative neurophysiologist to join our brand-new project. Collaborating with lab members and highly supportive marmoset community, you will establish wireless electrophysiology and optogenetics in freely behaving marmosets and reveal the memory circuits which inform perceptual and cognitive decision makings. 

Your key experiences 

You should have good skills in animal neurophysiology (electrophysiology, optogenetics, optical imaging, fibre photometry, etc.). Experiences in non-human primates, small animal MRI, wireless/wired neurophysiology in freely moving animals are excellent additions. Any backgrounds including biology, psychology, medicine, physics, engineering etc. are welcome but you will exercise your creativity through, establishing a new experimental paradigm, solving problems, and obtaining new data. You have to be a team player to further strengthen our marmoset research community in the University of Cambridge.

Grow together

Experiencing from synthetic chemistry, synapse electrophysiology, to cognitive neuroscience, working with mice, rats, marmosets and macaques, and living in Japan, Switzerland and United Kingdom, I believe that the depth and diversity of the team are the source of creativity to synthesise new ideas and go through barriers. I am keen to support your academic career development through fellowship/grant applications, presentation practices, paper writing, network building, and future job hunting, believing that your success is the success of the team. As a postdoc, you will enjoy various training and networking opportunities provided by the PDN, School of the Biological Sciences, and Postdoc Academy where I also serve as an independent mentor. You will also have opportunities to teach and mentor students for your academic development.

The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

To apply for this post, please submit a single PDF file including a CV and a motivation letter detailing your scientific and career vision, what you have achieved so far, why you want to join our project, and how this post will move your career forward.

We also need the contact details for two people who can provide a professional reference.

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

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