Research Associate in Multisensory Integration and Neural Circuits in London

About the role

How does a compact nervous system combine different sensory cues to make a life-changing decision?

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join the Chatzigeorgiou Laboratory at Imperial College London and work on a Leverhulme Trust-funded project investigating multisensory decision-making in the larval tunicate Ciona intestinalis.

You will examine how mechanical and chemical cues are integrated to control settlement, combining quantitative behaviour, controlled stimulus delivery, whole-brain calcium imaging, neural perturbation and computational analysis.

With only 231 neurons and a synaptic-resolution connectome, Ciona offers a powerful opportunity to uncover general principles of sensory integration in a minimal chordate nervous system.

• What you would be doing
• Lead experiments defining how mechanical and chemical cues interact to regulate larval swimming, settlement and metamorphic commitment in Ciona intestinalis.
• Develop high-throughput behavioural assays using millifluidic or microfluidic arenas and quantitative tracking.
• Perform whole-brain calcium imaging during precisely controlled unimodal and multimodal stimulation.
• Analyse behavioural and imaging datasets to identify nonlinear integration, cue hierarchy and temporal decision dynamics.
• Use targeted optogenetic and/or chemogenetic perturbations to test causal circuit mechanisms.
• Generate transient transgenic Ciona larvae and contribute to animal culture and experimental workflows.
• Publish findings in high-quality international journals and share data and code through open, reproducible workflows.
• Present work at national and international conferences and workshops.
• Work closely with the PI, students and project collaborators across experimental and modelling work packages.
• Help supervise students and contribute to the growth of the Chatzigeorgiou Laboratory at Imperial.
• What we are looking for

We are looking for a scientist who has

• A Ph D in neuroscience, neurobiology, animal behaviour, physiology, quantitative biology or a closely related discipline.
• Evidence of high-quality research and strong publication potential or a publication record appropriate to career stage.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with experience in rigorous experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Practical experience in fluorescence microscopy, functional imaging and/or calcium imaging.
• Practical experience working with an experimental model organism.
• Experience in quantitative behavioural analysis and handling complex datasets.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research spanning behaviour, neurobiology, imaging and computation.
• Strong communication, organisational and collaborative skills.

Desirable experience includes

• Experience with microfluidics or controlled mechanical and chemical stimulation.
• Experience in transgenesis and genetically encoded calcium indicators.
• Experience working with Ciona, marine organisms or other non-traditional model systems.
• Experience in computer vision or machine learning, such as Deep Lab Cut, and analysis of calcium-imaging data.
• What we can offer you
• Opportunity to work on an ambitious Leverhulme Trust-funded project addressing fundamental questions in sensory neuroscience, behaviour and evolution.
• Access to a uniquely tractable chordate model, whole-brain imaging, controlled-stimulus platforms and connectomic resources, with close interaction between experimental and modelling researchers.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• As a member of research staff you have
• 10 development days to use to develop your skills and explore your career prospects
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing
• Further information

Please note that this is a Ph D level role but candidates who have not yet been officially awarded will be appointed as a Research Assistant .

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week).

This role is for a fixed-term contract for 3 years from 1March 2027

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr. Marios Chatzigeorgiou –