Research Assistant – Neuromodulation and Sleep
MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit (MRC BNDU), Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TH
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.
Contact Person : NDCN HR Recruitment Vacancy ID : 170966
Contact Phone : Closing Date & Time : 01-Mar-2024 12:00
Pay Scale : STANDARD GRADE 6 Contact Email : [email protected]
Salary (£) : £32,332 - £38,205 per annum
