Research Fellow

About us

This is an exciting opportunity to join the group of Dr Sarah Ruediger, in the Research Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology. This new group is seeking to understand how cortical and subcortical visual circuits function together to transform incoming sensory signals into learned actions. The post offers an exciting opportunity to monitor and perturb brain activity in head-fixed or freely moving mice, including recording and analysis of large-scale neural activity recordings acquired using in vivo extracellular recording techniques or two-photon imaging.

About the role

The main purpose of this position is to actively contribute to a research project within the Ruediger lab, focusing on uncovering the neuronal mechanisms underlying visually guided actions. The role will emphasise understanding the contributions of cortical and subcortical visual processing pathways under both normal conditions and, potentially, in the context of neurobehavioural disorders.

The role holder will design, conduct, and analyse cutting-edge behavioural experiments in head-fixed and/or freely moving mice to explore the neuronal foundations of visually guided actions. Leveraging advanced chronic Neuropixels recordings or two-photon calcium imaging, these experiments will capture large-scale neuronal activity across extensive cell populations during both the learning and execution of tasks.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to make independent, original contributions within an exciting and rapidly growing research team. As one of the first members of the Ruediger lab, you will not only drive a main project but also play a key role in supporting the lab's overarching research goals and objectives.

This is also an excellent opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the lab's research goals while expanding your own skill set.

Please note that 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 with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.

This role is an open-ended contract, funded for 12 months from start date in the first instance, but there may be possibility of extension up to 36 months depending on project progress.

If you have any queries about the role, please contact Sarah Ruediger. 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 the HR Administrator, stating the advert reference number in the subject line.

About you

Although a PhD qualification is stated as essential, if you have significant expertise in systems neuroscience but do not hold a PhD yet, we definitely want to hear from you!

You must have a strong background in in vivo physiology and mouse behavioural studies. Experience with extracellular recordings using high-density silicon probes or two-photon imaging and skills in data analysis and programming are also essential.

Please make sure to refer to the job description and person specification accessible via the "apply" button to know more about all the criteria required for this role.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits. Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/