Research Associate at the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology

Job description

Applications are invited for 2 postdoctoral researcher positions funded by the Wellcome Trust. 

The successful applicant will pursue a research project as an integral member of a group working on neural circuits underlying flexible cognitive behaviour in mice. The project will aim to understanding how brain-wide neural circuits lead to flexible cognitive behaviours. The techniques employed may include chronic in-vivo 2-photon and 3-photon calcium imaging of excitatory and inhibitory cell classes, targeted holographic optogenetic manipulations, extracellular neuropixel recordings, viral vector based functional circuit mapping, and quantitative mouse behaviour.   

The successful applicant will benefit from the collaborative culture of the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology at King’s College London and will have the opportunity to develop collaborations with groups studying animal models of brain disorders.  

Candidates must have a strong research track record. Experience with in-vivo imaging, rodent behaviour and analysis of complex datasets will be highly valued.  

The selection process will be a panel interview.   

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role please contact Dr Adil Khan khan.adil@kcl.ac.uk.   

Both posts will be offered on full-time, fixed term contracts for 2 years.

Key responsibilities

• Undertake original research as part of a team working on the neural circuit basis of cognition  
• Perform mouse behavioural training on a task-switching paradigm 
• Perform neural recordings during mouse task-switching behaviour using 2-photon/3-photon imaging or extracellular neuropixel recordings 
• Perform widefield calcium imaging 
• Perform optogenetics during mouse task-switching behaviour 
• Maintain up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive lab notes and to undertake the analysis of results of research studies as stated above

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria  

1. PhD complete or thesis submitted in neuroscience or related discipline
2. Strong research contribution to questions of neural circuits and behaviour, or other questions relevant to the lab interests
3. Ability to perform analysis of complex datasets
4. Ability to trouble-shoot laboratory problems 

Desirable criteria

1. Experience with in-vivo imaging or electrophysiology, ideally during animal behaviour
2. Experience with in-vivo optogenetics, ideally during animal behaviour
3. Experience in computational approaches to explore neural circuits and behaviour 

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

This post is subject to an Occupational Health Clearance.

Closing date: 23 May 2024

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