In Vivo Neuroscience Associate Scientist (Two-Photon)

Convergent Research; Waltham Cross; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Visa sponsorship

Relocation assistance

Generous Benefits

Job summary

Meridial, a focused neuroscience research organisation, seeks an Associate Scientist – In Vivo Neuroscience in London. The role is hands-on, performing survival neurosurgery, chronic two‑photon imaging and optogenetic experiments in mice as part of developing advanced imaging for functional neural circuits.

You will contribute to protocol development, work with engineers and computational researchers, maintain rigorous records, and support animal welfare and experimental design within a

Qualifications

• Degree in neuroscience, neurobiology, physiology, neuroengineering or a related discipline, or equivalent research experience.
• 3+ years’ hands‑on experience with in vivo neuroscience experiments in mice.
• Demonstrated survival stereotaxic surgery in mice, including intracranial viral injections and cranial‑window implantation for chronic imaging.
• Substantial hands‑on experience with in vivo two‑photon microscopy and functional neural data acquisition.
• Familiarity with viral‑vector and genetic approaches used to study neural circuits.
• Ability to recognise experimental problems, troubleshoot procedures and contribute to method optimisation.
• Understanding of appropriate experimental controls and rigorous experimental design.
• Strong organisational skills and careful experimental record‑keeping.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and respond to guidance.
• Willingness to complete UK Home Office Personal Licence training; Meridial covers costs.
• Commitment to animal welfare and 3Rs.

Responsibilities

• Perform survival neurosurgery in mice, including stereotaxic viral injections, cranial‑window implantation and preparation for chronic imaging.
• Carry out high‑quality in vivo two‑photon imaging with longitudinal imaging of the same animals over weeks to months.
• Run optogenetic experiments to interrogate and manipulate neural circuits.
• Support viral and transgenic strategies for functional imaging and circuit investigation.
• Support animal colony management and records of breeding and experimental requirements.
• Monitor preparation quality and animal welfare; troubleshoot with senior scientists.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures and outcomes.
• Follow and help develop SOPs for imaging and surgical workflows.
• Collaborate with Engineers and Computational Team to ensure data standards for open sharing.
• Contribute to experimental planning and interpretation in the team.

Skills

Neuroscience expertise

Hands-on experimental work

Surgical skills

Team collaboration

Record keeping

Licence willingness

Education

Degree in neuroscience or related

Tools

Two-photon microscopy

Stereotaxic surgery

Python/MATLAB

Viral vectors knowledge

Job description

Meridial, a focused neuroscience research organisation, seeks an Associate Scientist – In Vivo Neuroscience in London. The role is hands-on, performing survival neurosurgery, chronic two‑photon imaging and optogenetic experiments in mice as part of developing advanced imaging for functional neural circuits.

You will contribute to protocol development, work with engineers and computational researchers, maintain rigorous records, and support animal welfare and experimental design within a