Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate or research assistant position in the Selective Vision lab, led by Dr Jasper Poort and based at the Department of Psychology at the University of Cambridge. The successful candidate will work on a research project funded by the Wellcome Trust and the Royal Society that will investigate the neural circuit mechanisms of visual perceptual learning.

The project will combine long-term two-photon calcium imaging, electrophysiology and optogenetic manipulation of specific cell types and neural projections in visual cortical areas and decision-making brain areas to understand how mice (including mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders) learn to become experts in different visually-guided decision-making tasks. The successful applicant will join a supportive and multi-disciplinary research environment and collaborate with experts on learning and executive function in rodents and humans, experts on learning and executive impairments in mental disorders, and computational neuroscientists.

Applicants should have completed (or should be about to submit) a PhD (research associate) or (under)graduate degree (research assistant) in neuroscience, cognitive psychology, biology, or other relevant disciplines. Previous experience with either imaging, optogenetics, and/or behavioural training in rodents, and data analysis (e.g. Matlab or Python) will be valuable.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a health assessment.

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the ‘Apply’ button below. This will route you to the University’s Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

The research position is available from May 2019 onwards for an initial 2 year period with the possibility for extension. More information about the lab can be found here including recent publications: www.psychol.cam.ac.uk/svl/.

Informal enquiries about the position can be made to Jasper Poort (jp816@cam.ac.uk)

In addition to the covering letter and CV, applicants are asked to provide a brief statement (500 words) describing the questions and approach they consider important for the study of visual perceptual learning and their future research ambitions.

Please note the closing date for applications is 31 January 2019. Applications received after this time will not be considered.

Please quote reference PJ17689 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Tagged as: Neuroscience