Position: Research Associate (Fixed Term)
Location: University of Cambridge UK
Closing date: 9th June, 2025
Job description
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in Dr. Sepiedeh Keshavarzi's laboratory at the University of Cambridge. The lab's Wellcome-Trust-funded research investigates neural circuits for the sense of direction and self-motion by combining in vivo and ex vivo neuronal recording and manipulation with quantitative behavioural assays in mice. For more details, please visit our website: keshavarzilab.com.
Project Overview: This project will dissect the organisation of head-direction circuits in the mouse brain, with a focus on the retrosplenial cortex and its reciprocal cortical and thalamic connections. In the first phase, you'll employ slice electrophysiology (whole-cell patch-clamp), circuit tracing and optogenetic mapping to characterize the synaptic and intrinsic properties of defined pathways. In the second phase, you'll investigate how these circuits remodel during spatial-orientation tasks, probing whether neuronal plasticity is necessary for accurate spatial learning.
Collaborative opportunities will allow you to bridge ex vivo and in vivo approaches. Highly driven postdocs who establish efficient slice workflows may broaden their skillset to include complementary in vivo approaches - ranging from extracellular recordings with Neuropixels probes and two-photon calcium imaging to spatial-orientation behavioural assays - either independently or in partnership with colleagues specialising in these techniques.
Employment Start Date: Available from 15 July 2025 for an initial three-year term; precise start date is negotiable.
The candidate
The ideal candidate will be a motivated, ambitious researcher with a strong background in cellular neurophysiology and clear interest in the lab's research program.
Key experience and competencies
Essential: - Ph.D. in Neuroscience or a related field (or near completion) - Extensive experience with slice patch-clamp electrophysiology and data analysis
Desirable: - Experience with optogenetic circuit-mapping (viral delivery, photostimulation) - Experience with rodent stereotactic surgery - A solid track record of research output
Research Environment: The successful candidate will join a collaborative laboratory committed to rigorous, innovative research and to fostering professional development of its members. We provide funding and logistical support for conferences and workshops, guidance on independent fellowship applications, and ongoing career mentorship.
The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team - interacting regularly with other neuroscience groups in the Department - and collaborate with both in-house experimentalists and external engineers and computational neuroscientists. The Department's seminars, along with events hosted by the Cambridge Neuroscience Network, will enrich your experience through further scientific exchange and networking.
How to apply
Applicants should include a cover letter addressing your motivation for joining the lab, how your skills align with the project and your research ambitions and career goals. Please also provide a detailed CV and the contact details for two referees.
For further infomation and to apply for the role click here.
For informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Sepiedeh Keshavarzi at [email protected].
Closing Date: 9 June 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position may close early once filled.