Job ID: 121803

Two Research Assistant Positions with Potential for PhD Transition – Neural Circuits of Spatial Orientation

Position:

Deadline: 21 February 2025

Employment Start Date: 17 March 2025

Contract Length: 1 year in the first instance

City: Cambridge

Country: United Kingdom

Institution: University of Cambridge

Department: Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (PDN)

Description:

Applications are invited for two Research Assistant positions in Dr. Keshavarzi’s lab at the University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience. The lab’s research, funded by the Wellcome Trust, focuses on the organisation and function of neural circuits underlying the sense of direction and self-motion, using mice. For more details, please visit the lab website.

Projects

The two positions focus on distinct aspects of the lab’s research, with opportunities for collaboration for candidates with overlapping skills and interests:

  1. Neural Circuit Organisation in the Head Direction System: This project investigates the organisation of neural circuits in the head direction system, focusing on the retrosplenial cortex and its connections with cortical and thalamic areas. Techniques include patch-clamp recordings in brain slices, optogenetics, and neural tracing. Candidates may also participate in in vivo methods and behavioural experiments to connect circuit structure and function, particularly if pursuing a PhD in the lab.
  2. Development and Testing of Behavioural Analysis Software: This project focuses on testing an open-source software, movement (in collaboration with neuroinformaticians), for analysing animal behaviour. Responsibilities include evaluating movement and related tools and contributing to its publication. Strong programming skills (ideally Python) are required. Additional responsibilities involve maintaining the lab’s behavioural acquisition software (Bonsai-based), with collaborator support. The role also offers opportunities to gain experimental skills, including behavioural training, surgical procedures, and in vivo electrophysiology (Neuropixels), ideal for transitioning into a research project and pursuing a PhD in the lab.

Both positions are suited for candidates seeking long-term commitment, with potential for extension and PhD application with the lab. Exceptional candidates may receive lab-funded PhD support.

Key Experience and Competencies

We are seeking two self-motivated individuals with experience in cellular neurophysiology or circuit/systems neuroscience research.

Essential Qualifications

  • Experienced in either:
    • Slice patch-clamp recording and data analysis (Position 1), OR
    • Programming (Python, MATLAB) for data acquisition and analysis (Position 2).
  • Undergraduate or master’s degree in Neuroscience or a related field with evidence of academic excellence.
  • Strong communication skills in English.

Desirable Skills

  • Experience with optogenetics, stereotactic surgery, quantitative animal behaviour, neural recording techniques.
  • Expertise in building custom experimental setups.

Research Environment

Our lab fosters a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive research environment. We are committed to the career development of lab members and provide mentorship throughout their journey. The research assistants will join a vibrant multidisciplinary research environment, with regular interactions with other neuroscience groups in the department. Regular departmental seminars and events hosted by the Cambridge Neuroscience Network offer excellent opportunities for networking and scientific discussion.

How to Apply 

To apply, email Dr Sepiedeh Keshavarzi (sk2244@cam.ac.uk), sending the following documents:

  1. A CV, including overall grades for each degree.
  2. A cover letter addressing:
    • Your motivation for joining the lab.
    • How your skills align with the job description.
    • Your research ambitions and career goals.
  3. Contact details for two referees.

Closing Date: 21 February 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may close early once filled.

Start Date: Available from March 2025 for one year in the first instance.

Salary: £30,505 – £34,866 (Grade 5, starting salary within this range according to the level of experience)