Research Fellow (UCL): examine inhibitory transmission and neural circuit behaviour focusing on GABAA receptors in the amygdala

Vacancy Reference Number

1847627

Closing Date

4 Jan 2020

Salary

£35,965 to £41,165 Per annum - £41,165 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.

Address

London

Duration

Funded for 3 years in the first instance.

The appointment will be on UCL Grade 7. 

We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to examine inhibitory transmission and neural circuit behaviour focusing on GABAA receptors in the amygdala. The position, funded by the Medical Research Council, UK, will be undertaken as part of the research team led by Professor Trevor Smart at UCL. Our aim is to examine endogenous neurosteroid modulation of GABA inhibition in the amygdala at molecular, circuit and behavioural levels and decipher its critical relationship to mental health conditions. This will involve genetically removing neurosteroid modulation from key GABA receptor isoforms.

The position provides excellent training in many aspects of electrophysiology, cell culture, and imaging, as well as, opportunities for collaboration and presentation at international meetings. You will also be part of the wider UCL Neuroscience Domain which includes ~500 independent research groups in fundamental and clinical neuroscience, providing many opportunities for academic interaction, and career development.

The post is funded for 3 years in the first instance. 

Our lab uses an array of methodologies to study inhibitory neurotransmission, combining electrophysiology techniques applied to single cells and neuronal networks, harnessed to molecular biological, biochemical and imaging approaches. For this position, applicants will primarily need a background in viral construct design, manufacture and brain injection, with experience in any other techniques, such as optogenetics, chemogenetics, and those listed above, being highly beneficial. We seek experienced scientists capable of advancing our research with the expectation of contributing towards the development of an exciting research programme.

Specifically, ideal candidates need to have:

A PhD degree in the relevant areas detailed above, e.g. neuroscience, neuropharmacology

Excellent communication skills A significant scientific track record, including at least one first author publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal within a relevant field (or submitted).

Be able to work independently, to critically analyse data, prepare and communicate results, prepare manuscripts and publish research findings in high quality journals.

For more information and to apply, please click here. 

Further Information

We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

Contact Details

For informal queries about this post, please contact Professor Trevor G. Smart, t.smart@ucl.ac.uk .

If you have queries regarding the application process, please contact Biosciences Staffing at biosciences.staffing@ucl.ac.uk.