Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate position to study the neural mechanisms of visual learning in mice, in the laboratories of Professor Ole Paulsen and Dr Jasper Poort (both Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience) at the University of Cambridge. 

The project combines patch-clamp electrophysiology, two-photon imaging, and optogenetic manipulation of different cell types and neural projections in visual and decision-making brain areas to understand how mice learn to become experts in different visually-guided decision-making tasks and flexibly switch attention between tasks. One key research aim is to use channelrhodopsin-assisted circuit mapping (CRACM) in brain slices from mouse visual and parietal cortex before and after training on a visual-decision making tasks to investigate connectivity changes. The successful applicant will join a supportive and multi-disciplinary collaborative research environment.

Applicants should have completed (or be about to submit) a PhD (research associate) or (under)graduate degree (research assistant) in neuroscience, biology, or other relevant disciplines. We are looking for someone with expertise in patch-clamp electrophysiology and data analysis (e.g. Matlab or Python) and experience with stereotaxic surgery in mice. For more information about the labs see https://noggin.pdn.cam.ac.uk/ and https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/svl/.

Informal enquiries about the position can be made to Ole Paulsen (op210@cam.ac.uk) and/or Dr Jasper Poort (jp816@cam.ac.uk).

Fixed Term: the funds for this post are available until 30 September 2027 in the first instance.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD; those without a PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level. 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.

Salary Ranges: Research Assistant: £33,002 - £34,610; Research Associate: £37,694 - £46,049

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

To apply for this post, please submit a CV, cover letter, and 1 page research proposal on 'circuit mechanisms of visually-guided decision-making using patch-clamp electrophysiology'. We also need the contact details of two people who can provide a professional reference. Please note that we will assume that you are happy for us to approach your referees at any stage, unless you indicate otherwise in the space provided on the form.

The closing date for applications is the 25 August 2026.

Please quote reference PM50604 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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.

Advert information