Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of Stirling
Job Description: A central question in research on neurodevelopmental disorders is how the brain represents one’s environment. To address this question, the current project investigates how neurons in the brain learn and represent visual landmarks in the outside world, using rat models of neurodevelopmental conditions. This work will provide essential data on how changes in the brain in these conditions may underlie alterations in sensory sensitivity and cognitive flexibility.
The project will use high-density neuronal recording and novel behavioural tasks in Scn2a +/–, Arid1b +/–, and Grin2b +/– rats and their wild-type littermates. Each of these is a model of a genetic alteration that causes a specific neurodevelopmental disorder. Our focus in the recording work is on head direction neurons—cells that encode the direction in which an animal faces. The behaviour of these cells reflects how the outside world is represented by the brain and is correlated with spatial behaviour.
This project is funded by the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) as part of the Autism Rat Consortium (www.sfari.org/resource/autism-rat-consortium/).
As part of this project, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Psychology Division, is offering a fixed-term (48-month), full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow position. You will work closely with Professor Dudchenko (at the University of Stirling) and colleagues at the University of Edinburgh to characterise the behaviour of neurons in the models mentioned above. The position would start in February, 2026.
Person criteria: Qualifications
PhD in psychology or neuroscience
Research & Skills
Research experience in electrophysiological recording in freely moving rodents
Expertise in analysing electrophysiological data
Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
Evidence of research productivity, such as journal publications or technical reports
A Home Office personal licence, for more information please use the link provided here
Attitudes & Behaviours
Desire to work in a cross-disciplinary team
Proven ability to establish rapport and interact effectively with colleagues
Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to work independently and manage your own academic research and associated activities
Ability to travel daily to the laboratory (based in Edinburgh)
Please apply online here