Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Job title:

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Company

University of Edinburgh

Job description

Job Description:UE07: £40,247 pa – £47,874 paCMVM/Edinburgh Medical School/Deanery of Biomedical Sciences/Centre for Discovery Brain sciencesFull-time, 35 hours per weekFixed-Term, 2 years in first instance with possibility of extension.The Opportunity:We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher to conduct basic research into sensorimotor plasticity in the visual cortex of mice, by utilizing virtual reality systems alongside in vivo whole cell recordings, plasticity paradigms, imaging, and/or optogenetics.You will conduct research aimed at investigating single neuron sensorimotor plasticity in behaving mice. This will involve developing novel plasticity paradigms using in vivo whole cell recordings during mouse behaviour in virtual reality environments. You will go on to use optogenetics to interrogate the contribution of individual circuit elements and neuromodulatory inputs to the plasticity that is found. There would also be the opportunity to use two-photon microscopy in vivo. The research forms part of an ERC funded project ‘Learn2predict’.This post is full-time (35 hours per week).Your skills and attributes for success:

• Appropriate degree with relevant post-graduate research experience. Usually a PhD (or PhD near completion) in Neuroscience/Physiology/Pharmacology or equivalent professional qualification and/or experience.
• Experience working with rodents.
• Applicants must hold or be willing to obtain a Home Office Personal Licence (PIL) for working with mice.
• Strong experience in electrophysiology and/or in vivo neuroscience methods.
• Be able to demonstrate specific interest in the topic of cortical plasticity and/or neuromodulation.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, orally, and in writing.

Click to view a copy of the full (opens new browser tab)As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary of £40,247 pa – £47,874 pa
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our

(opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefitsChampioning equality, diversity and inclusionThe University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our (opens new browser tab)The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.Key dates to noteThe closing date for applications is 31st October 2024Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.Interviews will be held within 2 weeks of closing date.About Us: As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.About the Team:Centre for Clinical Brain SciencesThe Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (CCBS; Director Professor Colin Smith), part of Edinburgh Medical School and Edinburgh Neuroscience, integrates laboratory and clinical research to study the causes, consequences and treatment of major brain disorders. Anchored in the Edinburgh BioQuarter adjacent to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and with bases at other Edinburgh hospital sites, CCBS’ locations link clinical and laboratory science with informatics and commerce to encourage the free-flowing exchange of ideas, the efficient use of clinical data and joint academic/health service delivery.CCBS comprises 64 Principal Investigators (47 staff and 17 honorary)-including 21 Personal Chairs. Of these, 70% are active NHS clinicians, which grounds the Centre’s research aims close to unmet clinical need and facilitates the translation of research findings into real-world impact. The 300+ members of CCBS conduct research of international recognition and reputation and publish approximately 300 papers a year. Major strengths include clinical trials and trial methodology, neuroimaging, neuropathology and regenerative neurology (including human stem cell research) in a wide range of conditions encompassing brain vascular disease/stroke, neurodegenerative disease, prion disease and psychiatric disorders. CCBS researchers attracted £57M in grant-funding over the last three years and collaborate widely, leading national and international clinical trials in stroke (e.g. IST-3, FOCUS, RESTART) and dementia (e.g. EPAD, AMYPAD) and playing a major role in the UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh. The National CJD Research and Surveillance Unit is a WHO Reference Centre for Human Prion Disease. The research generates significant and measurable impact in terms of patient health and wellbeing, NHS policy and economy, and public awareness.Within Edinburgh University’s REF 2021 submission the second largest submission was for “Neuro”; that is formally classified as Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience (Unit of Assessment 4). Edinburgh was ranked second in the UK by quality (‘grade point average’, according to Research Professional) and third in the UK by the ‘power’ measure which takes into account the size of the submission as well as the quality (according to Times Higher Education; up from 4th in the last REF in 2014). The combined metric of quality and power places Edinburgh 1st in the UK. 52% of our research papers were awarded the highest score of 4*, defined as world-leading, and a further 38% were rated 3*, defined as internationally excellent. 100% of our ten impact case studies – measuring health and wealth gain- were awarded 4*, meaning they are world-leading in reach and significance. Importantly 100% of our environment was awarded 4*, meaning the context in which our research takes place is world-leading in vitality and sustainability.CCBS currently has 49 postgraduate students, mostly PhDs. It is particularly strong in clinical PhD training, with a number of innovative schemes including Rowling Scholars and Princess Margaret Research Development Fellowships. The Edinburgh Imaging Academy is a flagship for e-learning MSc and CPD courses. The Centre also has a strong record of attracting philanthropic donations to establish specialist research hubs (Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, MS Society Edinburgh Centre for MS Research, Muir Maxwell Epilepsy Centre, Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre, Sackler Institute for Psychobiological Research, Row Fogo Centre) that are maintained and expanded by community fundraising.For further information about our Centre is available on the ( ) (opens in a new browser tab).

Expected salary

£40247 – 47874 per year

Location

Edinburgh – Midlothian

Job date

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 03:13:26 GMT

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