Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate in the lab of Dr Jasper Poort, based at the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge. The successful candidate will work on a research project that will investigate the neural mechanisms of visual decision-making, learning, and attention.

The research combines electrophysiology, 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. The successful applicant will join a supportive and multi-disciplinary research environment including experimental facilities and expertise in the Poort lab (https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/svl/) and collaborators.

Applicants should have completed (or are 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 previous experience in chronic extracellular electrophysiology (e.g. tetrodes or multichannel probes), behaviour in mice and advanced data analysis skills (e.g. Matlab or Python). 

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

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 'Apply' above.

To apply for this post, please submit a CV, cover letter, and a 1 page research proposal on 'circuit mechanisms of visually-guided decision-making'. We also need the contact details of two people who can provide a professional reference.

The closing date for applications is 8th September 2026.

Informal enquiries about the position can be made to Dr Jasper Poort (jp816@cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference PM50828 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.

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