Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

This new full time post is available from 2 September 2024 on a fixed term basis until 1 September 2027.

The post

Dr Kyle Wedgwood is seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) for a duration of 3 years starting 2 September 2024 as part of the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship: “Using Mathematics to Disentangle the Role of Synaptic Communication.” This interdisciplinary fellowship aims to develop new technology and algorithms to modulate synaptic interactions in neuronal network cultures. These tools will be used to shed new light on how electrical rhythms are generated in neuronal networks. These rhythms are fundamental to neurocomputational processes such as working memory, in which information is stored as a temporally ordered sequence of electrical activity.

The primary role of the post-holder will be to develop and analyse mathematical models of synaptic communication in cultured neuronal networks. These models will provide a mechanistic framework for understanding how synaptic properties, such as axonal propagation delays and connectivity maps between neurons, shape electrical rhythms will thus provide insights into fundamental neuronal computations. The models will be parametrised using data collected by other team members and will be analysed using numerical simulation and bifurcation analysis to predict the impact of synaptic parameter variation on electrical rhythms across the network. Predictions from the model will be validated in closed loop electrophysiology experiments in which the models are embedded within the data collection process and are used to perturb synaptic parameters in the biological neurons.

The successful applicant will work in an interdisciplinary team comprising: Dr Wedgwood; a PDRF who will design and conduct electrophysiology experiments; Research Software Engineers developing algorithms for innovative experiments linking the mathematical models to the biological neurons; a research technician who will support neuronal culture; and the applicant themselves. The successful applicant will join a vibrant research community within the university’s flagship research centre: The Living Systems Institute, which is home to 26 research groups applying a range of interdisciplinary techniques from mathematics, physics, and engineering to address fundamental questions across the biosciences.

About you

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will develop, simulate, and analyse mathematical models, as well as give presentations at conferences and other events. They will have expertise in model parametrisation, numerical simulation, bifurcation analysis, and programming (with no specific restrictions on programming language). The successful applicant will be able to use mathematical models to suggest experimental protocols to validate and test model hypotheses.

Applicants will be able to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team comprising electrophysiologists, software engineers, and research technicians. As such, the successful applicant will have excellent verbal and written communication skills and should be comfortable working in environments with people from different backgrounds. In particular, the successful applicant will need to present information on research progress and outcomes, as well as having the ability to communicate both verbally and in writing complex information, to a range of stakeholders. Additionally, the successful candidate will have a demonstrable ability to write up scientific findings in a timely and succinct way for publication. 

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024).  We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.  More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. 

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Further information

For further information please contact Dr Kyle Wedgwood, [email protected] .

To apply applicants should upload a full CV, a cover letter describing how they satisfy the essential criteria for the role and a recent publication that best showcases their research. This should be submitted as a single PDF attachment.