Research Assistant – Neuromodulation and Sleep

We are looking for a motivated Research Assistant with an interest in sleep and neuromodulation who has experience of research using experimental animals. In addition to having a BSc or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. neuroscience, biomedical sciences, experimental psychology, veterinary science), they should have a demonstrated aptitude and enthusiasm for carrying out ambitious experimental work. The key research objective is to characterise the effect of stimulation of the centromedian thalamus on sleep. The centromedian thalamus is clinically targeted through deep brain stimulation in human epilepsy patients to suppress seizure activity.

You will have a wide range of responsibilities, including the following:

• Carry out recording of multichannel neuronal data from freely moving animals when they are sleep and wake
• Assist in the preparation of experiments
• Assist in the processing and curation
• Contribute to the processing of neural tissue from in vivo experiments
• Contribute to the ongoing design, execution and reporting of these experiments as part of a wider team
• Communicate the results of the experiments by contributing to research papers for publication in peer-reviewed international journals
• Maintain a good level of productivity through organisational skills and pro-active management of experimental timelines

Essential selection criteria:

• BSc or equivalent qualification in a relevant area of research
• Experience of working in a laboratory environment involving experimental animals
• Understanding best practices in research,  experimental methodology, reproducibility and ethical research using animals
• Evidence of in-depth knowledge of a relevant area of research
• Capable of independent problem solving and decision making and using personal initiative in delivering quality research
• Ability to plan ahead and pro-actively manage experimental timelines
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members
• Commitment and motivation to carry out research in neuroscience

Desirable selection criteria:

• Trained in UK Home Office animal research regulations
• Experience of neuroscience research
• Knowledge of a programming language
• Experience of the collection, annotation, or quality control of a substantial data set
• Experience of tetrode or high-channel count neural recordings
• Experience of brain stimulation or neuromodulation techniques
• Experience of analysing electrophysiological sleep recordings

Please see the below 'Job Description' for further details on the project, responsibilities, and selection criteria, as well as further information about the university and how to apply.

This post is full time and fixed-term until 30th April 2025.

Only applications received before 12:00 midday on 1st March 2024 will be considered.

Interviews are expected to be held as soon as possible thereafter.