Job ID: 99670

Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist – Iacaruso Lab

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 6 January 2023

City: London

Country: United Kingdom

Institution: Francis Crick Institute

Department:

Description:

Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist – Iacaruso Lab

Contact term: This is a full-time, fixed term (2 year) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

We are seeking a talented and passionate Research Associate in computational neuroscience to develop biologically-inspired computational models of neuronal networks, in order to study the neuronal mechanisms underlying multisensory processing. This is an excellent opportunity to work on computational modelling of brain networks as part of a dynamic and interdisciplinary team of researchers in neuroscience.

The Research Group

The post holder will join the labs of Dr Florencia Iacaruso (at The Francis Crick Institute) and Dr Sadra Sadeh (at Imperial College London) on a collaborative project. Dr Iacaruso’s laboratory studies general principles of neural circuit organization that govern sensory perception and behaviour. The laboratory aims to delineate how the functional organization of neuronal networks gives rise to multisensory representations and sensory-motor transformations. Current research is focused on circuitry in cortical and subcortical regions, such as the visual cortex and the superior colliculus. Dr Sadeh’s lab develops computational models to study the mechanisms of sensorimotor processing and learning in the brain. Current research is focused on data-constrained computational modelling and theoretical analysis of large-scale neuronal networks and their responses to perturbations in healthy and diseased conditions.

Details of research projects currently being undertaken can be seen at:

https://www.crick.ac.uk/research/labs/flor-iacaruso/areas-of-interest https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/s.sadeh

The Project

The proposed research builds on recent work from the two participating labs and aims to obtain a detailed model of the functional and structural organisation of neuronal circuits underlying the selection of relevant targets for orienting responses. The successful applicant will use both existing and newly acquired neuronal recordings and behavioural data in combination with appropriate computational models to reveal the circuit mechanisms underlying multisensory spatial attention. In the next stage, we aim to study how serotonin modulates behavioural responses by combining data from behavioural experiments and experimentally determined serotonin receptor maps.

The successful applicants will benefit from the collaborative, friendly and interactive culture of the Francis Crick Institute located in a new state-of-the-art building in central London which brings together 1500 scientists and support staff working collaboratively across disciplines, making it the biggest biomedical research facility in one building in Europe.

Postdoctoral Training Fellows are expected to lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators) and guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a team is essential.

Key experience and competencies

The successful applicant will have a PhD in Computational Neuroscience or a related field, and experience with the analysis of multi-dimensional and multi-scale data. Highly motivated candidates with expertise in Physics, Maths, and Computer Science are also encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will need to be an independent thinker, motivated to do science and able to work in a highly collaborative environment. Applicants will be selected based on how well they demonstrate that they meet the essential and desirable criteria for this particular role.

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values:

Bold; Open; Collegial

Essential

To hold PhD in Neuroscience, computer science, physics, or a related field or in the final stages of PhD submission
Competence in relevant programming languages (MATLAB, Python, other)
Experience in analysis of multi-dimensional and multi-scale data e.g. neuronal recordings (two-photon calcium imaging or extracellular electrophysiological recordings).
To have a track record of writing papers as evidenced by pre-prints or publications.
Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings
The ability to work collaboratively
Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex information effectively

Desirable

Experience in the study of in visual or auditory processing
Experience in behavioural neuroscience

About Us

At the Crick, we conduct research at the forefront of biomedical research. We combine rigour with an open and collaborative culture, and are outward-looking, reflecting our status as a partnership of six organisations aiming to pool knowledge, ideas and resources.

We have a wide research portfolio with no divisions or departments, bringing biomedical researchers together with clinicians, physical scientists and applied scientists from our pharmaceutical partners.

We aim to attract the most talented researchers and support them to tackle innovative research questions. Our science technology platforms provide our researchers with access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise.

We provide an excellent learning environment with dedicated education programmes in public engagement with science, education and personal development, and a postdoc training programme that prepares scientists for leadership roles in science.

If you are interested in applying for this role, please apply via our website.
The closing date for applications is 6.01.2023 at 23:59
All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.
If you require a visa to work in the UK we will help support your application should you be successful

Find out what benefits the Crick has to offer:

For more information on our great pay and benefits package please click here: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/pay-and-benefits

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.

Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.

The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.