Research Assistant/Associate (Experimental Neuroscience)
Research Assistant/Associate (Experimental Neuroscience)
Newcastle University
Newcastle, United Kingdom
The Role
Your role…. You are a highly skilled and motivated Scientist with a strong background in electrophysiology to join our Experimental Neuroscience team. You will conduct advanced research focusing on whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in mouse and human brain tissue to investigate the multiscale effects of neuromodulators such as histamine and serotonin using a combination of optogenetic release and pharmacology.
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, thus providing substantial 'added value';
- Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements;
- Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required;
- Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding;
- Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, 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, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications;
- Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline;
- May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants;
- Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually 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 and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment.
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills;
- Detailed subject knowledge of neuroscience and neurophysiology;
- Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects;
- High level of analytical and problem-solving capability;
- Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others;
- Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment;
- Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications;
- Perform whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology experiments in mouse and human brain tissue;
- Analyse the impact of neuromodulators such as histamine and serotonin on neuronal activity;
- Handle and care for laboratory animals, ensuring compliance with ethical standards;
- Conduct immunohistochemistry and morphological reconstructions to support electrophysiological findings;
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to advance the understanding of neuromodulation in the brain;
- Maintain accurate and detailed records of research findings.
Desirable
- Experience with stereotaxic surgery;
- Proficiency in performing viral injections in brain tissue;
- Knowledge of advanced data analysis software and techniques.
Attributes and Behaviour
- Extensive experience with whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, optogenetics and pharmacology;
- Proficiency in handling and working with laboratory animals (having a UK Home Office PIL A, B, K would be an advantage);
- Expertise in immunohistochemistry and 3D morphological reconstructions of axons and dendrites;
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Desirable
- Experience with stereotaxic surgery;
- Proficiency in performing viral injections in brain tissue;
- Knowledge of advanced data analysis software and techniques.
Qualifications
- A PhD (or close to finishing a PhD) in Neuroscience, Physiology or a related field is required. 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.
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