Postdoctoral Research Associate in Optical Interrogation of Neural Circuits

About the Role
Applications are invited for an experienced Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Adaptive Decisions Lab (Principal Investigator: Dr Abhishek Banerjee) to carry out a project investigating adaptive neural circuits underlying distinct forms of behavioural flexibility. The postholder will be responsible for designing, developing, and operating advanced large-field or multi-brain region two-photon imaging systems, and working on a research project funded by the Wellcome Trust to investigate fronto-sensory feedback microcircuits in the brain and their relevance to behavioural flexibility. The project will involve commissioning and maintaining a two-photon microscope, conducting in vivo calcium imaging experiments to monitor large-scale or long-range neuronal activity in mice during specific behaviours, analysing and interpreting imaging data to support neuroscience research objectives, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to develop and optimize imaging protocols, and performing animal handling and behavioural experiment procedures required for calcium imaging studies on cognitive tasks y to reveal mechanisms underlying flexible cognition. Comparable experiments in animal models of neurological disorders and human cognitive experiments combining EEG in the lab will further enhance these findings, and the applicant will have a chance to collaborate on these projects.

About You

• Strong academic background in optical imaging, neuroscience, physics, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in two-photon microscopy techniques, particularly for large-field or multi-region imaging applications.
• Hands-on experience in in vivo calcium imaging of neuronal activity in behaving mice.
• Proficiency in optical system design, alignment, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with animal behavioural experiment techniques and related data analysis tools.
• Relevant analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and in a team environment.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project
The Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma brings together scientists and clinicians and covers an extensive research portfolio, focused on various aspects of fundamental and translational research in neuroscience, surgery and trauma. The major themes are: neurotrauma, neurodegeneration, neuroimmunology, neurogastroenterology, orthopaedic surgery and trauma sciences, closely linked with clinical academic units within Barts Health NHS Trust, with many of its staff actively involved in clinical research and phase 2 and 3 clinical trials.

About Queen Mary
At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits
We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

Advert information