About the roleHow 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 doingLead 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 forWe are looking for a scientist who has:A PhD 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 DeepLabCut, and analysis of calcium-imaging data.What we can offer youOpportunity 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 prospectsSector-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 informationPlease note that this is a PhD 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 2027If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr. Marios Chatzigeorgiou – m.chatzigeorgiou@imperial.ac.uk .
Research Associate in Multisensory Integration and Neural Circuits employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the International Relations Office. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a commitment to diversity, and the chance to engage in meaningful projects that have a global impact, all set in the heart of one of the world's leading academic institutions.
