Research Associate - Neuroscience Research Group (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious UK university is seeking a Post Doctoral Research Associate in Neuroscience to explore dopamine receptor function in C. elegans. This role includes high-resolution imaging, behavioural analysis, and computational modelling. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant area and experience with techniques such as confocal imaging. The position is full-time, on-site, with a flexible start date.

Benefits

Training opportunities

Flexible work arrangements

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant area (or close to completion).
• Good understanding of neurotransmission and behaviour.
• Experience in some relevant techniques is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-resolution imaging to determine receptor localisation.
• Carry out behavioural analyses of C. elegans.
• Engage in computational modelling of the C. elegans neural network.

Skills

Understanding of neurotransmission and behaviour

Ability to work independently

Good communication skills

Education

PhD in a relevant area

Tools

Confocal imaging

TEVC electrophysiology

Computational analysis

Job description

Overview

Post Doctoral Research Associate in Neuroscience (Fixed Term)

Are you excited by the mechanisms of neurotransmission and behaviour and looking for a new opportunity? We are looking for an enthusiastic, inquisitive and motivated post-doctoral researcher to join the team in the Hardege lab in the Department of Zoology (https://www.hardege-lab.com/). The lab aims to understand how the function and diversity of neurotransmitter receptors is used to generate complex behaviours, including learning, in the small invertebrate model organism C. elegans.

We have recently discovered a range of novel dopamine receptors in C. elegans and found that different receptors are often expressed within a single neuron. This BBSRC-funded project aims to understand the interplay between excitatory and inhibitory metabotropic and ionotropic dopamine receptors and how they contribute to the regulation of complex behaviours.

This will involve a range of techniques including high resolution confocal microscopy to determine receptor localisation, behavioural analysis of C. elegans and computational modelling of the C. elegans neural network. The lab also uses Two Electrode Voltage Clamp (TEVC) electrophysiology and molecular biology techniques to characterise receptors. There are a broad range of training opportunities available, and you will also have the opportunity to mentor other lab members, attend scientific meetings and get involved in public engagement activities.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will perform a range of investigations related to dopamine receptor function in C. elegans, including:

• Conduct high-resolution imaging to determine receptor localisation and expression patterns.
• Carry out behavioural analyses of C. elegans to link receptor function with neuronal and behavioural outcomes.
• Engage in computational modelling of the C. elegans neural network.
• Use TEVC electrophysiology and molecular biology techniques to characterise receptors.
• Collaborate within the lab and mentor other lab members as appropriate.
• Attend scientific meetings and contribute to public engagement activities as part of professional development.

Qualifications and Experience

• PhD in a relevant area (or close to completion).
• Good understanding of neurotransmission and behaviour.
• Experience in some of the following areas is desirable: molecular biology, model organisms such as C. elegans, confocal imaging and computational analysis.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with good communication and organisational skills.

Terms and Additional Information

This is an onsite post. We have funding available for a full-time 3-year contract, with a flexible start date between November 2025 and March 2026.

Please include a CV and a cover letter (max. 2 pages) explaining why this role interests you and how your experience aligns with the candidate profile in the further particulars document, as well as the details of two referees.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive research environment and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We are open to discussing part-time/flexible work arrangements to accommodate individual circumstances.

Click the App y button below to register an account with our recruitment system and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to: Dr Iris Hardege [email: [e-mail]]. If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Paulina Lasocka [email: [e-mail]]. Please quote reference PF47153 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.