Applications are invited for a research assistant position in the lab of Dr. Sepiedeh Keshavarzi at the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (), University of Cambridge.
Key Experience and Competencies:
We are seeking a highly motivated individual with prior experience in cellular or systems neuroscience research.
Essential criteria include:
1. A first-class degree (or equivalent) in neuroscience, engineering, biology, or other relevant disciplines.
2. Proficient programming skills (Matlab, Python) for the control and analysis of behavioral and neurophysiological experiments.
3. A solid knowledge of neurobiology with critical thinking abilities.
4. Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written.
5. A clear interest in the lab's research program.
Preference will be given to candidates who additionally demonstrate:
6. Experimental expertise in any of the following techniques: electrophysiology, calcium imaging, quantitative animal behavior, stereotactic surgery.
7. Willingness to pursue a PhD in our lab and apply to the department's PhD program in 2024.
Role summary:
The role involves developing and conducting novel behavioural experiments to study spatial orientation abilities in mice, recording neural activity using electrophysiology and/or calcium imaging techniques, manipulating specific circuits and cell types with opto- and chemogenetics, as well as designing and performing data analysis.
The research assistant will join a multidisciplinary research environment, closely interacting with other circuit/systems neuroscience groups. Regular seminars held at the department and various scientific and networking events organised by the Cambridge Neuroscience Network will further provide excellent opportunities for scientific discussion and networking with fellow researchers and the wider neuroscience community.
8. Your motivation for joining the lab.
9. How your research skills align with the job description.
10. Your research ambitions and career goals.
The post is available from September 2024 onwards for one year in the first instance.
Informal enquiries about the position can be made to Dr Sepiedeh Keshavarzi ().
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.