Research Fellow in Circuits and Systems Neuroscience

About us

The Neural Computation Group is part of the Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research at UCL. The group's research focuses on understanding computations in neural circuits during behaviour. To this end, the group is combining experimental and theoretical approaches to examine computations in cortical and cerebellar circuits. Over the past decade we have been developing new strategies for probing the function of single neurons and networks of neurons in the intact mammalian brain. We have considerable experience in combining a wide range of techniques, from patch-clamp recordings, two-photon imaging, the use of transgenic mouse lines and genetically encoded calcium sensors, through to electron microscopy for tracing the wiring diagram of the underlying circuits.

About the role

The research fellow will work on an exciting project which aims to understand how sequences of neuronal activity are transmitted to and interpreted by downstream neurons during a memory task. The postdoc will focus on the hippocampus as a system where specific neural activity sequences have been strongly linked to our ability to form episodic memories. The project uses the latest technology for interrogating neural circuits, including two-photon imaging of activity using genetically encoded calcium and voltage indicators, two-photon holographic optogenetic stimulation, and Neuropixels recordings from downstream brain areas. The post will be held in the Neural Computation Lab in the Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research.

The work is lead by a collaboration between Professors Beverley Clark, Michael Hausser, Caswell Barry and Peter Latham. The successful applicant will work with the team to develop and implement optical approaches for interrogating populations of neurons during behaviour using two-photon imaging and two-photon optogenetics. They will be expected to bring expertise to the research group and to contribute innovative ideas stemming from their experience in neuroscience or the physical sciences. Expertise may include analytical skills as well as experimental approaches.

About you

The successful candidate should hold a doctoral degree in neuroscience, and knowledge of systems neuroscience and/or neurophysiology. PhD graduates of physics, engineering or a related discipline will be considered if this is accompanied by neuroscience knowledge/experience. They will have strong programming skills for hardware control and data analysis. The research fellow will have experience of writing, publishing scientific articles and presentation at international conferences and workshops.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:

1. 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 6 closure days)
2. Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
3. Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
4. Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
5. Immigration loan
6. Relocation scheme for certain posts
7. On-Site nursery
8. On-site gym
9. Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
10. Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
11. Discounted medical insurance

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. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.