Research Fellow

Job title:

Research Fellow

Company:

University College London

Job description

About usBiosciences is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students.This is an exciting opportunity to join the group of Dr Sarah Ruediger, in the Research Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology. This new group is seeking to understand 1) how cortical and subcortical visual circuits function together to transform incoming sensory signals into learned actions. The post offers an exciting opportunity to work together with experimentalists to analyse large-scale neural activity recordings acquired using in vivo extracellular recording techniques or two-photon imaging.About the roleThe main purpose of this position is to actively contribute to a research project within the Ruediger lab, focusing on uncovering the neuronal mechanisms underlying visually guided actions. The role will emphasize understanding the contributions of cortical and subcortical visual processing pathways under both normal conditions and, potentially, in the context of neurobehavioural disorders.The role holder will design, conduct, and analyse cutting-edge behavioural experiments in head-fixed and/or freely moving mice to explore the neuronal foundations of visually guided actions. Leveraging advanced chronic Neuropixels recordings or two-photon calcium imaging, these experiments will capture large-scale neuronal activity across extensive cell populations during both the learning and execution of visual tasks.This role offers an excellent opportunity to make independent, original contributions within an exciting and rapidly growing research team. As one of the first members of the Ruediger lab, you will not only drive a main project but also play a key role in supporting the lab’s overarching research goals and objectives.This is an excellent opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the lab’s research goals while expanding your own skill set. Initially funded for 12 months, this post offers the possibility of extension up to 36 months based on project progress.Essential Functions:

• Design, conduct, and analyse experiments in mice, integrating approaches to monitor brain activity during visually guided behaviour through Neuropixels recordings or in vivo two-photon imaging (benchtop, head-fixed Mini2p).

• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of experimentalists and computational neuroscientists to advance our understanding of the neuronal underpinnings of sensory-guided behaviour.

• Actively participate in the preparation and dissemination of findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences.

Please note that appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.

A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.If you have any queries about the role, please contact Sarah Ruediger at s.ruediger@ucl.ac.uk. If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Administrator at e.avisse@ucl.ac.uk.About youAlthough a PhD qualification is stated as essential, if you have significant expertise in systems neuroscience but do not hold a PhD, we definitely want to hear from you!You must also have a strong background in in vivo physiology (extracellular recordings using high-density silicon probes or two-photon imaging) and mouse behavioural studies, is essential.Skills in data analysis and programming are highly desirable, as is a demonstrated ability to write scientific manuscripts, evidenced by a record of peer-reviewed publications or preprints. Additional desirable skills include experience with in vivo circuit manipulation techniques, such as optogenetics, pharmacogenetics, pharmacology, viral approaches, as well as computational neuroscience methods and behavioural modelling.What we offerAs well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)

• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme

• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)

• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan

• On-Site nursery

• On-site gym

• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay

• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service

• Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and InclusionAs London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.Our division holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/Available documents

Expected salary

Location

North West London

Job date

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 04:36:38 GMT

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