At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on sleep's role in trauma and PTSD using advanced neurophysiology techniques.
- Company: Join a dynamic interdisciplinary team at the forefront of neuroscience research.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, collaborate with experts, and contribute to impactful studies.
- Other info: Open-ended contract with full-time hours and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in understanding trauma and sleep while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: PhD (or near completion) in neuroscience; experience with in-vivo recordings preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Research Associate to work on an MRC funded project to research the role of sleep in processing traumatic experiences and how this may lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emotional processing is thought to rely on a complex interplay between limbic‑cortical areas of the brain including the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. Sleep is known to play an important role in this processing, where the coordination of network oscillations including ripples, spindles, and slow‑waves, optimise limbic‑cortical dialogue and tune the integration of memory into long term storage. Cell assemblies, groups of neurons that temporally and functionally organise to encode information, that are active during learning, reactivate during these network oscillations of sleep. Replay of hippocampal place cell sequences during non‑rapid eye movement sleep (NREM) supports consolidation of spatial memories. In contrast, there is significant evidence from human studies that REM sleep, and theta activity, are instrumental in processing emotional memories. However, sleep reactivation in this context has only been partially explored and no studies have assessed this in relation to intense emotional experiences such as trauma.
You will be joining an interdisciplinary and collaborative research team led by Dr. Ross Purple to investigate how trauma‑related cell assemblies across limbic regions of the brain reactivate during sleep and how this differs in animals that are susceptible or resilient to PTSD‑like symptoms.
Responsibilities- You will be conducting in‑vivo electrophysiology experiments using Neuropixels in a rat model of PTSD including surgical implantation, recordings, and analyses.
- You will also be involved in:
- Design and implementation of models of trauma, use of conditioned stimuli for closed/open loop stimulation, and behavioural tests of anxiety
- Matlab‑based and/or Python‑based analysis of neuronal recordings including cell assembly and sleep analyses
- Writing of team presentations, conference presentations and manuscripts
- Supervision of PGR students and other less experienced team members
You have PhD (or near completion) in a neuroscience related discipline. Experience of in‑vivo multi‑channel neurophysiological recordings and analyses is preferable. Candidates with expertise in silicone probes and Neuropixels are particularly encouraged to apply. Experience in sleep physiology, behavioural studies of fear/anxiety, and/or closed loop stimulation is preferable, but not essential.
Additional Information- Contract type: Open ended (fixed term for 2 years)
- Work pattern: Full‑time
- Grade: I
- School/Unit: School of Psychology & Neuroscience
Research Associate in Neuroscience of Sleep and Trauma employer: University of Bristol
Join a pioneering research team at the forefront of neuroscience, where your work as a Research Associate will contribute to groundbreaking studies on sleep and trauma. Our collaborative and supportive work culture fosters innovation and professional growth, offering opportunities for mentorship and skill development in a vibrant academic environment. Located in a dynamic institution, we provide access to cutting-edge resources and a network of experts dedicated to advancing mental health research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Neuroscience of Sleep and Trauma
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the neuroscience field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meetups. Engaging with others can lead to valuable connections and potential job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills through a personal project or research. Create a portfolio that highlights your experience with in-vivo electrophysiology or sleep studies. This can really set you apart when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of PTSD and sleep neuroscience. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with the role and the specific research project. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Neuroscience of Sleep and Trauma
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in neuroscience, especially any work related to sleep and trauma. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this research area and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Research Skills:Since this role involves in-vivo electrophysiology experiments, make sure to mention any relevant techniques or tools you’ve used. If you’ve worked with Neuropixels or similar technologies, let us know – it could really set you apart!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our awesome team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bristol
✨Know Your Neuroscience
Make sure you brush up on the latest research in neuroscience, especially around sleep and trauma. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like limbic-cortical interactions and the role of different brain regions in emotional processing. This will show your passion for the field and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with in-vivo electrophysiology and any relevant software like Matlab or Python. Bring examples of past projects where you've conducted similar analyses or experiments. This will demonstrate your hands-on skills and how you can contribute to the team right away.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the project and the team dynamics. Inquire about the specific methodologies they use for trauma models or how they approach behavioural tests. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
✨Highlight Collaboration Experience
Since this role involves working in an interdisciplinary team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past research projects. Discuss any mentoring experiences you have, as supervising PGR students will be part of your responsibilities.
