Imperial College London seeks a Research Associate for the Chatzigeorgiou Laboratory to investigate multisensory decision-making in larval tunicates. This full-time role focuses on how mechanical and chemical cues integrate within minimal nervous systems using Ciona intestinalis as a model organism. Responsibilities include leading experiments on larval settlement, developing high-throughput behavioral assays with microfluidics, performing whole-brain calcium imaging, and conducting neural perturbations via optogenetics. The position requires a PhD in neuroscience or related fields, with strong quantitative skills and experience in fluorescence microscopy. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in analyzing complex datasets and interdisciplinary research. The role offers a salary of £50,733–£59,484 annually, access to world-leading connectomic resources, and comprehensive career support. It is a three-year fixed-term contract starting March 2027, emphasizing open science and collaboration within a diverse academic environment.
Official opportunity text, in English about 5 min read
About this position
Official opportunity text, in English about 5 min read
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About the role
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 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.
- 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 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.
- 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 PhD level role but candidates who have not yet been officially awarded will be appointed as a Research Assistant.
This is a post (35 hours per week).
This role is for a contract for 3 years from 1March 2027
2 notes on terms in this opportunity, checked against published references.
Questions about the role
Contact office Department of Life Sciences
Where this comes from
- Official source imperial.ac.uk
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