Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Post

A central question in research on neurodevelopmental disorders is how the brain represents one’s environment. To address this question, the current project investigates how neurons in the brain learn and represent visual landmarks in the outside world, using rat models of neurodevelopmental conditions. This work will provide essential data on how changes in the brain in these conditions may underlie alterations in sensory sensitivity and cognitive flexibility.

The project will use high-density neuronal recording and novel behavioural tasks in Scn2a ^+/–, Arid1b ^+/–, and Grin2b ^+/– rats and their wild-type littermates. Each of these is a model of a genetic alteration that causes a specific neurodevelopmental disorder. Our focus in the recording work is on head direction neurons—cells that encode the direction in which an animal faces. The behaviour of these cells reflects how the outside world is represented by the brain and is correlated with spatial behaviour.

Essential criteria

Qualifications

• PhD in psychology or neuroscience

Research & skills

• Research experience in electrophysiological recording in freely moving rodents
• Expertise in analysing electrophysiological data
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
• Evidence of research productivity, such as journal publications or technical reports
• A Home Office personal licence, for more information please use the link provided here

Attitudes & behaviours

• Desire to work in a cross-disciplinary team
• Proven ability to establish rapport and interact effectively with colleagues
• Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to work independently and manage your own academic research and associated activities
• Ability to travel daily to the laboratory (based in Edinburgh)

Desirable criteria

• Excellent knowledge and skills in a relevant area, such as single-unit recording
• Experience with data handling and/or programming
• Experience in carrying out both independent and collaborative research
• A developing body of publications in high-impact journals

For further information, including a full description of duties, essential criteria and details on how to apply, please see Vacancy details | University of Stirling

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