Research Fellow

About us

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 role

The 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.

About you

Although 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.

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.

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