Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neurophysiology

at  University College London

ABOUT US

The Faculty of Life Sciences is an exciting and dynamic environment driving forward ambitious and challenging plans for future development. We are committed to enhancing research and teaching in relation to major global challenges, including climate change, sustainability, technological change and the data revolution and inequality. Ranked No. 1 in London and No.8 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2021) the Faculty offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, neuroscience and machine learning.
The Research Department of Pharmacology was founded in 1926 and developed a strong neuroscience core in the 1970s. This has since further widened in scope to include other biological systems and disease indications such as inflammatory and vascular diseases, obesity and clinical pharmacology. Research being conducted is diverse, ranging from; (i) fundamental discovery work in how the brain develops and functions, (2) cell and molecular biology techniques to further our understanding of various conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, a range of paediatric neurometabolic diseases, nerve injury, (iii) translational research in gene therapy and tissue engineering and (iv) in silico and pharmacokinetic studies to develop drug dosing in patients. Staff are involved in curriculum development and teaching across all four years of the MPharm programme and the MSc in Experimental Pharmacology and Therapeutics. The department also host extensive research programmes involving many PhD students and postdoctoral fellows.
Further information about the School can be found on the website at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/pharmacy

ABOUT YOU

The successful candidate should have or will shortly obtain a Ph.D. in neuroscience or related subject.
We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic individual with a good understanding of neuronal intrinsic (ion channel) and synaptic physiology to join our laboratory.
Experience in making electrophysiological patch-clamp recordings from neurons and a good publication track record would be highly advantageous.
A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research fellow to join the Shah laboratory (https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/19244) at UCL School of Pharmacy.
This is a new exciting role funded by a multi-center 5 year MRC and MNDA programme grant to discern the effects of ALS/Fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) mutations on human neuron intrinsic and synaptic properties as well as neural network function.
The successful candidate will use electrophysiological recordings and/or advanced imaging techniques to understand the effects of ALS/FTD mutations on human IPSC neuron function.
Additional methodologies that will be employed include molecular biology approaches (such as qPCR), immunohistochemistry and multi-electrode arrays. Further, the successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to work with other laboratories at UCL and KCL as part of this multi-disciplinary collaborative project.
For more information about this role, please contact Professor Mala Shah (mala.shah@ucl.ac.uk).

As 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
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insuranc