Job ID: 120534

Research Fellow in Neuroscience

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 25 October 2024

Employment Start Date: 9 December 2024

Contract Length: 3 years

City: Leeds

Country: United Kingdom

Institution: University of Leeds

Department: School of Biomedical Sciences

Description:

We invite applications from a driven and enthusiastic post-doctoral researcher to join a BBSRC-funded collaborative project in the Johnston and Filippi labs, within the School of Biomedical Sciences and the Neur@Leeds Research Group. The successful candidate will develop an exciting project exploring the regulatory influence of metabolic signals on a critical neuromodulatory system: the basal forebrain cholinergic nuclei (BFCN). Using electrophysiology and/or 2-photon imaging, the researcher will dissect the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin metabolic control over this neuromodulatory hub. Furthermore, through targeted viral-mediated receptor knockdowns, they will elucidate how metabolic sensing in the BFCN  impacts cognitive processes including attention and learning as well as overall metabolic function.

You can find out more and apply here

Qualifications and skills

Essential

  • A PhD (or close to completion) in Neuroscience or a closely allied discipline;
  • Expertise in:
    • Electrophysiological techniques to investigate voltage-gated channel and/or synaptic activity, e.g. whole-cell patch clamp, V-clamp, I-clamp
    • Preparing acute brain slices
  • Experience with:
    • Stereotactic injections or surgical techniques
    • Behavioural assays
  • The ability to design, execute, and write up research independently;
  • A developing track record of peer-reviewed publications in international journals;
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to communicate your research at national and international conferences;
  • Good time management and planning skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines;
  • A proven ability to work well both independently and as part of a team;
  • Ability to work accurately and carefully;
  • A strong commitment to your own continuous professional development

Desirable

  • Experience with:
    • Python or other programming language
    • Use of microcontrollers or open-source hardware
    • RNAscope or other histology techniques, e.g. Immunohistochemistry
    • Ca2+ imaging
  • Evidence of pursuing external funding to support research.
  • Experience of working under a UK Home Office license;