英国剑桥大学神经系统科学博士后职位

Research Associate (Fixed Term) : Cambridge, United Kingdom

Applications are invited for a Naked Mole-Rat Initiative funded Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the laboratory of Dr Ewan St. John Smith at the Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge. We are looking for a motivated and innovative scientist to carry out research on a project focusing on the cellular and molecular basis of central chemoreceptor function in the naked mole-rat: more specifically, how carbon dioxide modulates circuits involved in respiratory function and fear. Dr Smith’s lab uses a combination of electrophysiology, fluorescent imaging, immunohistochemistry and molecular biology to determine the key players in central chemoreception.

The role holder will be based in Central Cambridge. The key duties and responsibilities will include but not be limited to: developing research objectives and conducting the research project, writing up research work for presentation and publication, continually updating knowledge and understanding in the above field, translating knowledge of advances in the subject area into research activity, managing own research and administrative activities, assisting in the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies (e.g. for funding and contractual purposes), communicating material of a specialist or highly technical nature.

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain shortly, a PhD in neuroscience or a related discipline. Successful candidates will be expected to have demonstrable experience in one or more of the following areas: patch-clamp electrophysiology, brain slice/neuronal culture methodology, neuroanatomy and live-cell imaging methods. You must be a careful and methodical worker, paying attention to accuracy and ready to take responsibility individually as well as part of a team. You should be self-motivated and able to organise, perform and analyse experiments with minimal instruction.

The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance with effect from 1st April 2015 (a later start date is negotiable). The starting salary will be £28,695 pa. Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) and a security check. Whether the outcome is satisfactory will be determined by the University.

The Department holds an Athena SWAN bronze award, demonstrating a commitment to provide equal opportunities and to advance the representation of women in science subjects. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender but, as women are currently under-represented at this level in our department, we strongly encourage applications from female candidates. Appointment will be based on merit alone.

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply' button below. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Applications will be assessed as and when they are submitted and interviews will take place up to 10th March 2015.

Please quote reference PL05202 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.