About the role We are looking for an excellent postdoctoral research fellow who has experience with fiber photometry or in vivo electrophysiology to join the Stephenson-Jones Lab at the SWC.
The goal of the research project is to combine theory and experiments to study how the sleeping brain is able to teach itself.
The aim will be to combine large scale in vivo recording techniques such as (Neuropixel probes) and fiber photometry recordings to understand how credit assignment works during offline mental simulations (neural replay).
Novel unsupervised methods will be applied for replay detection during different stages of sleep.
The overall project aims to tests several theoretical models of systems consolidation.
You will plan and execute key experimental tests of theoretical predictions, together with state-of-the-art behavioural models and analysis methods.
You will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with theorists in the Gatsby Computational Science Unit (GCNU) and draw on the experimental resources of multiple labs at SWC and the broader neuroscience community at UCL and beyond.
This post is funded until 31 October in the first instance.
The Centre is externally funded with funding awarded in five-year tranches subject to periodic funder review.
Subject to successful grant renewal, staff posts will be extended in line with successive funding periods.
About you You will have a strong background in quantitative neuroscience, and experience with rodent behavioural training and analysis are essential.
Strong quantitative skills and computer programming expertise (MATLAB or Python) are also required for this role.
You will have the ability to perform large-scale electrophysiological experiments in mice across periods of awake behaviour and sleep.
Strong communication skills with a collaborative approach are essential, along with the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.
What we offer The SWC offers staff an award-winning work environment in the heart of Fitzrovia with an onsite brasserie, access to lockers and changing facilities, secure bicycle storage, and access to pleasant outdoor spaces.
The Centre also offers the full range of UCL staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement, occupational pension schemes, excellent family-friendly policies such as occupational shared parental pay, a work-life balance policy, and a range of financial benefits such as a season ticket loan scheme and staff discounts.