Job ID: 117921

Post-doctoral Positions on Neuronal Circuits for Memory and Prediction

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 29 March 2024

Employment Start Date: 1 April 2024

Contract Length: 3-4 years

City: NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

Country: United Kingdom

Institution: Newcastle University

Department: Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences

Description:

Two post-doctoral positions are available at the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University  UK focused on Neuronal Circuits Mechanisms for Memory and Prediction. The positions are part of cutting-edge research funded by the Medical Research Council (UK) and jointly by the National Science Foundation (USA) and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (UK).  The research bridges work with an indispensable animal model system that can directly inform research with neurosurgery patients, providing important insights on neuronal mechanisms, circuits and networks that support fundamental aspects of cognition directly relevant for humans.

This work will be based at Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, with lead supervisor Dr Yuki Kikuchi. The research will involve cutting-edge laminar-neurophysiology, laminar-fMRI and/or neuronal optogenetic studies of prefrontal and auditory circuits in a primate model. Candidates for this position should have a strong academic record, advanced empirical and analytical skills, and strong presenting and writing skills.

The research as part of this international partnership with the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic is relevant for advancing cognitive neuroscience and improving diagnostic and treatment options for neurological and neurosurgical patients, including individuals with amnesia, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder and communication disorders.

Financial support is available for 3-4 years. The successful applicant has the opportunity to take part in and receive training in state-of-the-art neurobiological technologies and will receive support with career development in a collegial environment located with world-leading research capabilities. Travel between sites as part of the partnership will also be possible.

Relevant References: Balezeau et al., 2020 Nature Neuroscience; Rocchi et al., 2021 Neuron; Kocsis et al., 2023 Nature Communications

Supervisors: Dr Yuki Kikuchi (Newcastle University), Prof Tim Griffiths (Newcastle University, UCL, University of Iowa), Prof and Vice Chair for Research Chris Petkov (University of Iowa, Newcastle University) & Prof Matthew Howard III (University of Iowa)

Duration: Two positions with funding for up to 3-4 years

Salary: £31,396-£44,263 p.a.

 Closing date: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled

Applications will be reviewed from submission until the positions have been filled. Strong completing PhD students can also be considered.

How to Apply: Please submit a covering letter, CV and the contact information of at least three individuals who can provide professional references. The covering letter should state how your interests and experience relate to the position you are interested in. Send your application documents by email to yukiko.kikuchi@newcastle.ac.uk please include ‘Newcastle Post-Doctoral Position’ in the subject field.