Postdoctoral Research Associate in Neural Circuits and Behaviour

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious research institution in the UK is seeking a creative neuroscientist to lead experimental work on a project exploring how brain circuits support flexible learning. This role requires a relevant PhD/DPhil and offers opportunities in advanced imaging and behavioral studies. The successful applicant will manage their own research and contribute to various studies addressing neurodevelopmental disorders.

Qualifications

• Hold or are close to holding a relevant PhD/DPhil in Neuroscience or a related subject.
• Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in neuroscience.
• Have the ability to initiate and manage own academic research.
• Experience of contributing to publications/presentations.
• Can contribute ideas for new research projects.
• Possess excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental work on a Wellcome Trust-funded project.
• Manage academic research and administrative activities.
• Conduct high-quality in vivo neuroscience research.
• Perform behavioural training and advanced imaging.
• Develop new scientific techniques and protocols.

Skills

Neurophysiology

Optical Imaging

Animal Behaviour

Communication Skills

Education

PhD/DPhil in Neuroscience or related subject

Job description

We are seeking a creative and motivated neuroscientist to investigate how distributed brain circuits support flexible learning and decision-making. The postholder will join the Adaptive Decisions Lab (Principal Investigator: Dr Abhishek Banerjee) to lead experimental work on a Wellcome Trust-funded project exploring the mechanisms of behavioural flexibility. The project combines behavioural training of mice, in vivo two-photon imaging, viral circuit tracing, and computational analysis to study how fronto-sensory feedback microcircuits contribute to adaptive cognition. The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to collaborate on human EEG and translational studies addressing comparable mechanisms in health and neurodevelopmental disorders. You will manage your own academic research and administrative activities, including small-scale project management; undertake high-quality in vivo neuroscience research investigating the neural mechanisms of behavioural flexibility, using advanced imaging and behavioural techniques in mice; and adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols, with a particular focus on in vivo animal models (mice). This includes performing behavioural training, two-photon imaging, electrophysiological recordings, and surgical procedures (eg lens or electrode implantation, optogenetic viral injections) under appropriate licenses and ethical approvals. In your application, you should demonstrate that you

• Hold or are close to holding a relevant PhD/DPhil in Neuroscience or a related subject, together with relevant experience in neurophysiology, optical imaging, and animal behaviour.
• Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in neuroscience to work within established research programmes.
• Have the ability to initiate, formulate and independently manage own academic research and associated activities.
• Have previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations.
• Can contribute ideas for new research projects and draft research proposals.
• Possess excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, create storyboards, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at national and international meetings.