Research Assistant/Associate (Neuroscience)

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant/Associate to join an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project (subject to contract negotiations). The project aims to develop a Precision Control of Cortical Circuit Function. The project is led by Newcastle University in collaboration with Imperial College London and Oxford University.

In this role, you will be embedded within the Biosciences Institute hosting one of the UK’s largest groupings of neuroscientists, spanning the full range of approaches from molecular genetics to behaviour with a particular strength in system neuroscience. The Biosciences Institute is home to the largest community of non-human primate (NHP) researchers in the UK, benefiting from outstanding animal facilities and veterinary support.

What will I be doing?

You will use electrophysiological methods, including large-scale Neuropixel/SiNAPS recordings and causal manipulations using electrical and optogenetic interference techniques, to selectively target with spatial precision and cell-type specificity the behaviourally-relevant subpopulations within cortical circuits in nonhuman primates (NHPs) for closed-loop control of network dynamics and brain state. You will assist with animal training and sterile implant surgeries and perform daily electrophysiological recordings of neural and muscle activity during trained behavioural task performance. Further key tasks include data analysis, producing drafts of publications, and giving presentations on the findings at international conferences.

Please note that if you are successful in this role, you will require medical clearance before you can commence in the role. This post is fixed term for a period of 3 years (from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028).

Key Accountabilities

• Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies.
• Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment.
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required.
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding.
• Begin to write proposals for individual research funding or contribute to the writing of collective bids.
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations.
• Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination.
• Present research findings at conferences or through publications.
• May be involved in the supervision of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants.
• Will need to work with support staff and interact with other academic members of the Institute.
• May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities.
• Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures.

The Person

• Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills.
• Detailed subject knowledge such as neuroscience, signal processing, statistics, and computer programming.
• High level of analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity.
• Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment.
• Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications.
• An excellent record of academic achievement.
• Willing to work with non-human primates in neuroscience research.
• Strong commitment to Reduction, Replacement, and Refinement (3Rs) and animal welfare.
• Ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems.

Desirable

• Strong analytical skills, including ability to program analysis scripts in the Matlab environment.
• Experience of in-vivo electrophysiological recordings.
• Experience with aseptic surgical techniques.
• Experience of working under Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

Qualifications

A PhD (or close to finishing a PhD) ideally in Neuroscience. Those nearing completion of a PhD will be offered the role as Research Assistant and those with a PhD will be offered the role as Research Associate.