Research Associate in Computational Modelling of Neuronal Dynamics

King's College London; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking two motivated postdoctoral researchers for a Wellcome Trust-funded project in London. The roles involve developing computational models of neural circuits to understand brain function and dysfunction. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field and a strong background in computational neuroscience. This full-time position is fixed-term until August 2027, offering a collaborative research environment with opportunities for publication.

Qualifications

• Completed PhD or awaiting award with thesis submitted.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with dynamical systems theory.

Responsibilities

• Develop computational models of neural circuits.
• Interpret experimental results from neural circuit perturbations.
• Investigate effects of neuronal dynamics on brain function.

Skills

Computational neuroscience

Neural modelling

Proficiency in programming (Python, MATLAB)

Large-scale neural network simulations

Analysing large-scale neural recordings

Knowledge of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology

Problem-solving skills

Education

PhD in Neuroscience, Physics, Computer Science, or related field

Job description

About us

The School of Neuroscience is UK's 2nd largest Neuroscience school with over 500 researchers and 200 PhD students. It is one of three schools at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.

CDN is one of four departments in the School of Neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and is located at Guy's campus. Researchers have access to support facilities in genotyping, molecular biology and Drosophila work. CDN has close partnership with the Medical Research Council (MRC) and CDN researchers, together with clinical researchers from King's, make up the MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

At the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology (CDN), we investigate the mechanisms governing the formation of the brain during embryonic development and in early postnatal life. This is based on the understanding that early experience shapes the way our brain is constructed. While the "ground plan" of the brain is genetically determined, it is also influenced by environmental experience. We are still far from a complete understanding of how these processes work.

About the role

We are seeking two motivated postdoctoral researchers to join our team working on an exciting Wellcome Trust-funded project. The research focuses on investigating how altering neuronal dynamics affects brain function and dysfunction through computational modelling of neural circuits.

What you would be doing:

• Develop computational models of neural circuits with varied architectures, such as the primary visual cortex and prefrontal cortex, and olfactory bulb and piriform cortex
• Use these models to interpret experimental results from neural circuit perturbations
• Investigate the effects of altering neuronal dynamics on brain function and dysfunction
• Analysis of simulated or real population unit data in different states from different recordings (e.g. Neuropixels), and build an understanding of how stimulation could move the network between different neural states
• Collaborate with team members and experimental partners
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences

This is a full time (35 Hours per week) post, on a fixed term contract until the 31st August 2027.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field

2. Strong background in computational neuroscience and neural modelling

3. Proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, and similar languages)

4. Experience with large-scale neural network simulations

5. Experience with analysing large-scale neural recordings

6. Familiarity with neuroanatomy and neurophysiology

7. Knowledge of dynamical systems theory

8. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

Desirable criteria

1. Strong written and verbal communication skills

2. Experience of working in multidisciplinary teams (ideally across theoretical and experimental neuroscience)

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click "Apply Now". This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

* 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.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ' How we Recruit ' pages.