Research Assistant/Research Associate (fixed term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the lab of Dr Jasper Poort, based at the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience.

The role focuses on neural mechanisms of visual decision-making, learning, and attention using electrophysiology and optogenetics in mice.

Qualifications

• PhD (or near submission) in neuroscience, biology or related field.
• Experience with chronic extracellular electrophysiology (tetrodes or multichannel probes).
• Experience with mouse behavior and advanced data analysis (MATLAB, Python).

Responsibilities

• Investigate neural mechanisms of visual decision-making, learning and attention.
• Use electrophysiology and optogenetic manipulation in mice across visual and decision-making brain areas.
• Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment within the Poort lab and with collaborators.

Skills

Chronic extracellular electrophysiolo

Mice behavior

Advanced data analysis (MATLAB/Python)

Education

PhD in neuroscience/biology (or near submission)

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

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.

The closing date for applications is 8th September 2026.

Informal enquiries about the position can be made to Dr Jasper Poort ([e-mail]).

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.