Research Fellow (Akrami Lab) Full-time

Research Fellow (Akrami Lab)

The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC) brings together world-leading scientists to investigate how brain circuits process information to generate perception, form memories and guide behaviour. Developed through the vision and partnership of the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and Wellcome, and with substantial investment from these partners, the mission of the SWC is to generate experimentally testable theories of brain function.

We are looking for an excellent Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Akrami Lab at SWC. The goal of the lab is to understand the neural basis of sensory perception and sensory-guided decision making.

Towards this goal, we use a wide range of multi-disciplinary methods: in vivo high-density acute and chronic electrophysiological recordings (such as next-generation Neuropixels technology), a large array of behavioural tasks and circuit modelling, together with molecular and genetic approaches to identify different cell types, record and manipulate their function and trace specific pathways.

About the role

The post is for studying the neural and molecular mechanisms of statistical learning in rodent models.

You will be involved in a range of activities, including animal behavioural training, electrophysiological recordings, neuronal perturbations, setting up experimental equipment, data analysis and computational modelling.

You will have extensive experience in areas ranging from behavioral experimentation, in vivo electrophysiology and imaging, neural circuit manipulation to computational/theoretical neuroscience. You will design and implement independent research projects, and in be involved in a range of activities both independently and in collaboration with others. Strong communication and critical thinking skills, as well as a dedication to teamwork and collaboration, are essential.

This post is funded for 2 years in the first instance with the possibility of extension subject to successful grant application/renewal.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B (spine points 25 – 28) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

About you

You will hold a PhD in neuroscience or a related field and possess strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to deliver high-quality presentations.

Proven research experience using rodent models is essential, including behavioural training and experimentation, as well as electrophysiological recording techniques. Experience in computer programming and data analysis using languages such as Python, R, or MATLAB is also required.

Experience in molecular biology, histology, and microscopy/imaging techniques is desirable.

What we offer

The SWC offers staff an award-winning work environment in the heart of Fitzrovia with an onsite brasserie, access to lockers and changing facilities, secure bicycle storage, and access to pleasant outdoor spaces. The Centre also offers the full range of UCL staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement, occupational pension schemes, excellent family-friendly policies such as occupational shared parental pay, a work-life balance policy, and a range of financial benefits such as a season ticket loan scheme and staff discounts.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. The Athena SWAN Charter recognises commitment to advancing women's careers in science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine (STEMM) employment in academia. SWC is delighted to have received an Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2021. We stand by our commitment to positive action to improve equality and accessibility in the workplace. We will provide reasonable adjustments to enable people to work and flourish with us. SWC is proud to uphold both UCL's Dignity at Work and Work-Life Balance policies. As Centre we commit to fostering a positive cultural climate where all staff and students can thrive and actively support Wellbeing@UCL.