Research Fellow: Post-natal development of neural networks for memory

at  University College London

ABOUT US

Biosciences 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 groups of Tom Wills and Francesca Cacucci, becoming an active member of a research project focused on uncovering the neural mechanisms underlying the post-natal emergence of memory.

The main purpose of this position is to conduct research involving multi-site single unit recording and/or potentially functional calcium imaging from the hippocampus and cortical regions (e.g. Entorhinal Cortex, Pre-frontal cortices) while animals are engaged in spatial memory tasks. The post holder will assist in the design and running of experimental procedures, analysing neural spike and local field potential data, writing up the results, and should have a desire to publish in prestigious journals.
Applications are encouraged from candidates with behavioural/systems neuroscience experience, who have expertise in either in vivo electrophysiology or calcium imaging, during behavioural tasks. Experience with brain chemo/optogenetic techniques is also desirable.
This role is an open-ended contract with a funding end date of 31/03/2026 in the first instance.
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 (salary £35,702 - £37,548 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.
We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.
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 Dr Tom Wills at t.wills@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 Biosciences staffing at biosciences.staffing@ucl.ac.uk