Postdoctoral Fellow – P Znamenskiy Lab

Job title:

Postdoctoral Fellow – P Znamenskiy Lab

Company

Francis Crick Institute

Job description

Salary for this Role:From £43,210 with benefits, subject to skills and experienceJob Title: Postdoctoral Fellow – P Znamenskiy LabReports to: Petr ZnamenskiyClosing Date: 27/Oct/2024 23.59 GMTJob Description:Postdoctoral Fellow – P Znamenskiy labReporting to: Petr Znamenskiy, Group LeaderContact term: This is a full-time, fixed term 4 year position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.The Research GroupThe Znamenskiy lab studies the relationship between in vivo function, synaptic organization, and molecular identity of cortical neurons. Using the primary visual cortex as a model, we aim to understand how connections between different neuronal cell types are organized and how this organization enables the computations that they perform. To this end, we combine the approaches of systems and molecular neuroscience and develop new tools to relate gene expression and connectivity with the activity of cortical neurons. Specifically, we have been investigating how visual cortical circuits enable animals to parse the three-dimensional organisation of visual scenes.The ProjectThe visual system seamlessly processes visual information to parse the spatial organisation of visual scenes. While the world and our perception of it are three-dimensional, the images formed by our eyes are two-dimensional. The missing depth information must be estimated by neuronal circuits within the visual system using a variety of cues. While neural circuit mechanisms underlying depth estimation from binocular disparity – the difference between images formed by the two eyes – have been studied extensively, depth perception does not require binocular vision, as evidenced when closing one eye. Very little is known about mechanisms supporting monocular depth perception. An important but poorly understood monocular depth cue is motion parallax – the apparent movement of objects within the visual scene resulting from movement of the observer.We have recently discovered that a large fraction of neurons in the primary visual cortex are selective for depth from motion parallax. This selectivity is a consequence of integration of optic flow and locomotion-related signals. This project will build on these findings to understand how depth-selective responses are transformed across the visual cortical hierarchy and how they arise in early visual circuits.To answer these questions, this project will use chronic two- and three-photon calcium imaging in mice navigating in three-dimensional virtual reality (VR) environments, pharmacological and optogenetic manipulation of neural activity, and high-density electrophysiological recordings in VR and in freely moving animals.Postdoctoral Training Fellows will lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators) and may guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a team is essential.Key experience and competenciesThe post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values:Bold; Open; CollegialEssential

• PhD in Neuroscience or a related field or in the final stages of PhD submission
• Good knowledge and experience in in vivo calcium imaging or electrophysiology
• Experience in data analysis in Python or MATLAB
• Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals
• Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings

Desirable

• Experience in stereotactic surgery in mice

About UsAt the Crick, we conduct research at the forefront of biomedical research. We combine rigour with an open and collaborative culture, and are outward-looking, reflecting our status as a partnership of six organisations aiming to pool knowledge, ideas and resources.We have a wide research portfolio with no divisions or departments, bringing biomedical researchers together with clinicians, physical scientists and applied scientists from our pharmaceutical partners.We aim to attract the most talented researchers and support them to tackle innovative research questions. Our science technology platforms provide our researchers with access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise.We provide an excellent learning environment with dedicated education programmes in public engagement with science, education and personal development, and a postdoc training programme that prepares scientists for leadership roles in science.

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Find out what benefits the Crick has to offer:For more information on our great pay and benefits package please click here:Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.Read more on our website:

Expected salary

Location

London

Job date

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 04:06:30 GMT

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