Postdoctoral Fellow

Job title:

Postdoctoral Fellow

Company

Francis Crick Institute

Job description

Postdoctoral FellowThis is a full-time, fixed term (4 years) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.The research groupThe Schmack lab studies the biological mechanisms underlying psychosis. Our goal is to develop new biological treatments for psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, and to generate fundamental insights into how the brain generates perceptions and thoughts. We are working on the interface of psychiatry, neuroscience and immunology. We are committed to visionary and rigorous science that is driven by shared passion and individual growth, and that pushes the boundaries of biological knowledge relevant to disease. We study human patients and mice using a range of methods including psychometric experiments, computational modelling, targeted neural circuit manipulations, and immunological techniques.Lab web page: https://www.crick.ac.uk/research/labs/katharina-schmackProject summaryDo you want to make a difference in the field of psychiatry? We are seeking a postdoctoral scientist who will study the biological mechanisms underpinning psychosis-like experiences to find new treatment targets for psychosis. Suitable candidates should have a strong background in systems neuroscience or a related areas, as well as a strong interest in immunology and psychiatry.Psychotic disorders are devastating conditions that are characterized by altered perception and thought. Progress in the treatment of psychotic disorders has been limited because of a stagnating understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms. One reason for this stagnation is that psychosis is exclusively defined by subjective symptoms that are difficult to study biologically. Previously, we showed in humans that psychotic symptoms are related to alterations in ‘hard-wired’ perceptual behaviours. Building on this, we recently developed an approach that combines computational models and behavioural observations to measure psychosis-like perceptions in mice and humans. Using this cross-species approach, we have characterized the function of dopamine-dependent striatal circuits in psychosis-like perception. We use this cross-species approach to investigate how neural circuit dysfunctions and immune alterations give rise to psychosis.Motivated by the emerging role of the brain in controlling immune responses and the immune system in psychosis, this project will examine the interplay between neuronal dynamics and immune processes in a psychosis mouse model. To this end, the project will employ a variety of techniques from computational psychiatry (e.g., psychometric behavioral tasks, cognitive modeling), systems neuroscience (e.g., high-density electrophysiological recordings, opto- and chemogenetics, endoscopic calcium imaging) and immunology (e.g., active and passive immunization, flow cytometry).This is an excellent opportunity for a neuroscientist to contribute to a basic science research program relevant to psychiatry. The Schmack lab strives to provide a nurturing environment for all lab members regardless of background with an emphasis on professional growth and career development. Postdoctoral Scientists are expected to lead their own projects and to contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis. Postdoctoral Scientists are further expected to pro-actively develop their mentoring and people management skills and to guide PhD and other students in their research. All lab members are expected to commit to the lab’s vision (see Research Group above) and to actively contribute to a productive and positive lab atmosphere.Key experience and competenciesThe post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, imaginative, open, dynamic and collegial, in addition to the following:Essential:

• PhD in systems neuroscience or a related field
• Strong interest in psychiatry and immunology
• Advanced programming and data analysis skills, evidenced by previous projects
• Proven track record of writing scientific papers, as demonstrated by published or submitted manuscripts
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a highly multidisciplinary team
• Dedication to supervision and mentorship of other lab members
• Commitment to actively contributing to a productive and positive lab atmosphere

Desirable:

• Experience in neurophysiological research in mice or other animals (e.g., electrophysiological or optical recordings)
• Experience running advanced behavioral experiments in mice or other animals (e.g., using state machine control systems such as Bpod)
• Familiarity with open science and software tools (e.g., standardized data formats such as NWB, version control systems such as Git, collaboration projects such as OSF.io)

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

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 22:15:55 GMT

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