http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/?unit=u00269&format=rss

The Cardona Lab are pleased to invite applications for the position of Research Associate in the Experimental and Comparative Connectomics Laboratory. The primary purpose of the role is to support the research of Dr Albert Cardona, whose lab is interested in the neural circuit basis of behaviour. For details of recent projects in the lab, see https://tinyurl.com/cardonalabpubs . For a description of the lab's focus see https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/directory/albert-cardona.

The post holder will have a neuroscience background, with a PhD in neuroscience or a very closely related discipline. They will have experience with sample preparation for electron microscopy (EM), trimming resin blocks and mounting them for imaging in block-face and for serial sectioning and imaging with transmission EM, imaging at both electron microscopy and light-sheet laser-scanning microscopy, neuron reconstruction from electron microscopy, and analysis of neural activity imaging data.

Fixed Term: the funds for this post are available until 31 December 2025.

Informal enquiries about the position can be made to Dr Albert Cardona (ac2040@cam.ac.uk).

Apply

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please submit a CV and a covering letter detailing why you want to be part of this project and how this post will be a good stepping-stone for your career. We also need the contact details for two people who can provide a professional reference.

The closing date for applications is 3 May 2024.

Please quote reference PM41386 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The Department of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience particularly encourages women and candidates from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background to apply for this vacancy.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

The Galliano laboratory ((https://gallianolab.org/)is a recently-funded neuroscience group based at the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge. Our research focuses on investigating how brain cells change in response to altered sensory inputs, and how such changes in brain cells underpin adaptation, learning and memory at the behavioural level. We use mice as model systems, and we probe the brain networks that encode their sense of smell. We are an inclusive, diverse and welcoming group, committed to mentoring and supporting the career development of all members. We believe in open-science, and all members are encouraged to participate in science outreach activities.

Project summary We are seeking a highly motivated, proactive, and enthusiastic laboratory technician to assist in managing our expanding research operations. We will provide comprehensive mentoring and career development opportunities to facilitate your technical and managerial growth.

You will be responsible for operational running of the laboratory and support core experimental activities. You will serve as the primary manager for our histology and microscopy suites, as well as our animal colony. Responsibilities will include managing our animal colony, inventory and stock management, procurement of equipment and consumables (including forecasting use). You will be responsible for maintenance of lab equipment, schedule services and coordinate technician visits, and you will act as point of contact for health and safety and operational matters including oversight of laboratory health and safety training and documentation. You will assist in training undergraduate project students, and you will contribute to the operational strategy for the lab and in scientific discussions. Attention to detail is essential, along with collaborative teamwork skills, and outstanding multitasking and time management abilities.

Key experience and competencies Candidates should: -Be educated to a BSc level or higher within a life sciences discipline. -Have 2+ years of experience in industrial or academic research setting. -Have a track record of overseeing and managing laboratory operations either in an industry or academic laboratory. - Have experience in managing animal colonies, orders, inventory and laboratory health and safety. -Be open-minded, creative, self-propelling, and have excellent communication skills. -Have a genuine interest in supporting neuroscience research in a long-term role. -Be able to work independently and also capable of collaborating within a group. -Ideally be experienced in histology and microscopy, and/or rodent surgery. -Ideally have studied neurobiology, or have worked in neuroscience labs.

Contract terms We have funding available for a full-time 6-year contract, in the first instance. This is strictly a non-remote post, however, we are open to discussing part-time work arrangements to accommodate individual circumstances (e.g., at 80% FTE). The post is available from October 2024 onwards.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please provide in your application under Suitability for the Role an explanation as to how you meet the job requirements, what you would bring to the group, how your work philosophy aligns to our lab's values (see: https://gallianolab.org/how-we-operate/), and why this post would be an ideal fit for your career plan. Please include any mentoring of students, public engagement or specific technical training you have completed. We will also need the contact details of two individuals who can serve as references.

The application deadline is 30th April 2024, and we aim to hold Zoom interviews for shortlisted candidates between 6th and 9th May 2024. The top candidate(s) will then be invited to a final in person interview.

Please quote reference PM41227 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

The Department of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience (PDN) is seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Accounts Apprentice from September 2024, to assist in the administration of accounts and maintain financial records within the department, in order to contribute to the management of departmental finances.

Becoming an apprentice at the University of Cambridge is a great opportunity to gain practical experience and training in a Higher Education Institution, while completing your studies. The Apprentice will be a part of the departmental Finance team and will study the AAT Level 3 qualification while learning about the various Accounting functions including Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable. You will learn on the job by working with experienced finance professionals and you will contribute to the daily organisational tasks of a highly successful finance function within the Department.

The successful applicant will possess good numeracy, IT and communication skills and be able to work effectively within a small team. Close attention to detail and a high level of accuracy are essential along with good organisational and time management abilities.

Full details about the role can be found in the Further Particulars.

Informal queries about this position may be directed to Lorna Goffee-Palser, lg369@cam.ac.uk.

Fixed-term: 18 months. After completing your AAT Level 3, we will continue your training to AAT Level 4.

All applications for this vacancy are being handled by the training provider for this apprenticeship, First Intuition. Please follow this link to the national apprenticeship website to apply: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/1000241758.

Closing Date: 26 April 2024. Interviews are expected to take place in May 2024.

Please quote reference PM41041 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/), University of Cambridge.

The position involves investigating the organisation and function of neural circuits underlying spatial orientation and self-motion perception, funded by the Wellcome Trust. The project provides the opportunity to integrate behaviour, electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and circuit manipulation across thalamic and cortical networks involved in navigation, using the mouse model. For more information about the lab's research questions and approaches, please visit https://www.keshavarzilab.com/.

Key Experience and Competencies:

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with prior experience in cellular or systems neuroscience research.

Essential criteria include:

• A first-class degree (or equivalent) in neuroscience, engineering, biology, or other relevant disciplines.
• Proficient programming skills (Matlab, Python) for the control and analysis of behavioral and neurophysiological experiments.
• A solid knowledge of neurobiology with critical thinking abilities.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written.
• A clear interest in the lab's research program.

Preference will be given to candidates who additionally demonstrate:

• Experimental expertise in any of the following techniques: electrophysiology, calcium imaging, quantitative animal behavior, stereotactic surgery.
• Willingness to pursue a PhD in our lab and apply to the department's PhD program in 2024.

Role summary:

The role involves developing and conducting novel behavioural experiments to study spatial orientation abilities in mice, recording neural activity using electrophysiology and/or calcium imaging techniques, manipulating specific circuits and cell types with opto- and chemogenetics, as well as designing and performing data analysis.

The research assistant will join a multidisciplinary research environment, closely interacting with other circuit/systems neuroscience groups. Regular seminars held at the department and various scientific and networking events organised by the Cambridge Neuroscience Network will further provide excellent opportunities for scientific discussion and networking with fellow researchers and the wider neuroscience community.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please submit a CV, including your overall grade for each higher education degree, and a cover letter addressing the following:

• Your motivation for joining the lab.
• How your research skills align with the job description.
• Your research ambitions and career goals.

Please provide the contact details of two individuals who can serve as references.

The closing date for applications is 30th April 2024. Please note that we will be reviewing applications on a regular basis. We reserve the right to close the position early once the available position is filled.

The post is available from September 2024 onwards for one year in the first instance.

Informal enquiries about the position can be made to Dr Sepiedeh Keshavarzi (sk2244@cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference PM41068 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Applications are invited for the position of Research Laboratory Technician to join the group of Professor Magda Zernicka-Goetz. Professor Zernicka-Goetz's group's long term research goal is to understand the development of cell lineages and patterning in the early mammalian embryo.

The ideal candidate will be educated to A' level or NVQ level 3 in a biological or other related subject and/or relevant laboratory experience in molecular biology, including genetics/genomics. He/She will have a good understanding of molecular biology and excellent general laboratory skills. The candidate should have meticulous documentation and note-keeping skills and be able to manage their time and work effectively. Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team are essential.

The role will support the research of Professor Magda Zernicka-Goetz's group. There are 10 group members excluding Professor Zernicka-Goetz, all of whom are research staff. The post will provide basic laboratory support, molecular biology techniques, genotyping of mice, laboratory housekeeping, looking after simple laboratory equipment, passing on knowledge to graduate students. There will also be some administrative tasks including making travel arrangements for the Principal Investigator.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2024.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

On the online form, in the suitability for the role section, you should explain the reasons for your application and how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role. The full contact details for two referees should be provided; please note that we will assume that you are happy for us to approach your referees at any stage, unless you indicate otherwise in the space provided on the form.

Closing date: 22 March 2024.

Please quote reference PM40777 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The Department of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience particularly encourages women and candidates from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background to apply for this vacancy.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

The Niakan Lab at University of Cambridge is seeking a technical assistant to join our team. This post will support pioneering research projects to provide fundamental insights into human biology. The primary responsibility of this position is to collect bovine ovaries from an abattoir and bring them back to our lab in Cambridge.

The candidate must be able to work independently and follow a strict schedule. They will have a good level of oral communication, a high standard of English, and the ability to give and receive written and verbal instructions. A high attention to detail is a must. The successful candidate will have a good general education or equivalent level of practical experience and will require a valid driver's license. All training will be provided on the job and it is a great opportunity to learn skills in a scientific laboratory.

This post is part time, fixed term for 6 months. The hours of work will be 8.30am - 12:00pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week.

For Informal enquiries, please contact niakan-lab-manager@pdn.cam.ac.uk. For queries about the application process please contact pdnhr@pdn.cam.ac.uk.

For this position, the University Real Living Wage (RLW) supplement applies, which sets the minimum rate of pay at £12 per hour.

Apply:

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

On the online form, in the suitability for the role section, you should explain the reasons for your application and how you match the requirements of the role. The full contact details for two professional referees should be provided; please note that we will assume that you are happy for us to approach your referees at any stage, unless you indicate otherwise in the space provided on the form.

Closing date: 20 March 2024.

Please quote reference PM40677 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate position in the lab of Dr. Sepiedeh Keshavarzi at the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/), University of Cambridge.

The position involves investigating the organisation and function of neural circuits underlying spatial orientation and self-motion perception, funded by the Wellcome Trust. The project provides the opportunity to integrate behaviour, electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and circuit manipulation across thalamic and cortical networks involved in navigation, using the mouse model. For more information about the lab's research questions and approaches, please visit https://www.keshavarzilab.com/.

Key Experience and Competencies:

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with prior experience in circuit/systems neuroscience research. Applicants should hold (or be close to receiving) a Ph.D. in Neuroscience or related disciplines.

The successful candidate will have:

• Experimental proficiency in electrophysiology (in vivo or ex vivo) or calcium imaging (in vivo).
• Proficiency in data analysis with strong critical thinking skills.
• Excellent science communication skills in English, both verbal and written.
• A clear interest in the lab's research program.

Preference will be given to candidates demonstrating the following desirable skills and achievements:

• Proficient programming skills in Python (or Matlab).
• Expertise in designing and controlling bespoke experimental setups.
• Expertise in developing behavioural tasks for rodents.
• A strong track record of research output and achievements.

Role Summary:

The role involves developing and conducting novel behavioural experiments to study spatial orientation abilities in mice, recording neural activity using electrophysiology and/or calcium imaging techniques, manipulating specific circuits and cell types with opto- and chemogenetics, as well as designing and performing data analysis. In addition to research activities, the postholder is expected to present research findings, contribute to writing articles, and provide training and supervision to students and other junior lab members.

Research Environment and Training Opportunities:

We are a welcoming and inclusive group, strongly committed to providing mentoring, training, and support for the career development of all lab members. The postdoctoral fellow will join a multidisciplinary research environment, closely interacting with other circuit/systems neuroscience groups. The regular seminars held at the Department and various scientific and networking events organised by the Cambridge Neuroscience Network will further provide excellent opportunities for scientific discussion and networking with fellow researchers and the wider neuroscience community.

Training opportunities in experimental and computational approaches new to the applicant will be available, including support for attending top international workshops/courses. Additionally, regular interactions with the principal investigator will ensure continuous career mentorship and support, along with scientific supervision. The position also offers possibilities for collaboration with hardware and software engineers and computational neuroscientists.

How to Apply:

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the following:

• Your motivation for joining the lab.
• How your research skills align with the job description.
• Your research ambitions and career goals.

Additionally, provide the contact details of two individuals who can serve as references. The post is available from May 2024 onwards for an initial three-year term, with the possibility for extension.

Informal enquiries about the position can be made to Dr Sepiedeh Keshavarzi (sk2244@cam.ac.uk).

Salary: £36,024 - £44,263. The starting salary will be within this range depending on skills and experience.

Closing Date: 29 March 2024. Please note that we will be reviewing applications on a regular basis. We reserve the right to close the position early once the available position is filled.

To learn more about this position and what the University offers please see the Further Particulars.

Please quote reference PM36807 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The Department of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience particularly encourages women and candidates from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background to apply for this vacancy.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

The Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience delivers over half of the teaching requirements for the first two years of the Medicine and Veterinary Medicine courses (Medical Sciences Tripos and Veterinary Sciences Tripos ~390 students/year), as well as three large courses available (as options) to first and second year science students following the Natural Sciences Tripos (NST) at Cambridge (~300 students in all). All of these undergraduate courses involve hands-on practical experimental work by the students in the Department's four teaching classrooms. The practical classes are supported by three distinct but collaborative technical teams (Human Anatomy, Veterinary Anatomy, and Physiology).

We are looking for a Teaching and Research Technician, assigned to the Physiology team, to primarily support the Chief Teaching Technician, University Physiologist and other teaching officers in the running of our busy undergraduate (Part I) teaching classrooms, supporting the delivery of a wide range of practical classes and lectures to first- and second-year students.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain further experience in supporting teaching in a higher education environment. Duties will include, but are not limited to, providing technical assistance and guidance to staff and students throughout the planning and delivery of undergraduate practical classes and examination; assist with histological work, ensuring health and safety procedures are adhered to, maintenance of laboratory equipment and general administrative duties, including the support of apprentices in the Department.

Applicants should be educated to at least A level and have experience of working a laboratory environment, preferably in an educational setting. They should have good IT skills and be manually dexterous. Accuracy, flexibility and reliability are essential, as are good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a small team to meet tight deadlines.

Apply

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

On the online form, in the suitability for the role section, you should explain the reasons for your application and how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role. The full contact details for two professional referees should be provided; please note that we will assume that you are happy for us to approach your referees at any stage, unless you indicate otherwise in the space provided on the form.

Closing date: 29 February 2024.

Please quote reference PM40567 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

The Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience is seeking to appoint a fixed term, Senior Teaching Associateship in Neuroscience, ideally from 1 April 2024 (to assist with examining), or as soon as possible thereafter. This post would be particularly suitable for someone wishing to develop a University career where teaching and scholarship are the main component.

Reporting to the Deputy Head of Teaching, key responsibilities of the role include:

• Developing and delivering lectures, practical's, and workshops, as part of the undergraduate neuroscience teaching portfolio.
• Contributing to the MPhil in Basic and Translational Neuroscience).
• Marking coursework, exams, and dissertations (predominantly in May and June).
• Designing and supervising meta-analysis (dry) Part II projects and literature review projects.
• Creating new teaching materials, digital resources, and publicity materials.
• Designing and implementing appropriate evaluation frameworks, and evolving course materials in response to feedback.
• Contributing to the planning of future courses and new projects that arise through curriculum reviews.
• Course organising and other administrative duties.

For full details of the responsibilities of the post and the person specification, please see the further particulars.

Candidates will need to show evidence of a good first degree and a doctorate, or equivalent experience in Neuroscience. Candidates will be able to demonstrate their ability to teach the subject effectively at undergraduate level.

The position is offered on a full-time basis (37 hours per week); however, consideration will be given to applicants who may wish to work fewer hours (minimum 0.8 FTE). Similarly, we will consider applications from candidates who may wish to start on a part time basis initially, increasing their hours to full time (or near full time) by September 2024, in readiness for the 2024/25 academic year.

Prospective candidates may contact Professor Bill Colledge (pdnhod@pdn.cam.ac.uk) or Dr Steve Edgley (sae1000@cam.ac.uk) to informally discuss the position.

Fixed term: The funds for this post are available for three years.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload:

• A document containing your Curriculum Vitae (CV), and a brief narrative (300 words maximum per output) on three activities you consider most significant and relevant to the application.
• A one page statement focusing on (i) your teaching experience and interests, (ii) your contributions to and/or vision for improving the working culture and what Equality Diversity & Inclusion means to you.
• The contact details for two people who can provide a professional reference.

The deadline for applications is 5 March 2024. Interviews are expected to be held on 22 March 2024, subject to final confirmation.

Please quote reference PM40494 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate in the lab of Dr Jasper Poort and based at the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge. The successful candidate will work on a research project that will investigate the neural circuit mechanisms of visual learning and attention. The project combines two-photon calcium imaging, electrophysiology and optogenetic manipulation of different cell types and neural projections in visual cortical areas and decision-making brain areas to understand how mice (including mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders) learn to become experts in different visually-guided decision-making tasks and flexibly switch attention between tasks. The successful applicant will join a supportive and multi-disciplinary research environment and collaborate with experts on learning and attention in rodents and humans, experts on learning and attention impairments in mental disorders, and computational neuroscientists.

Applicants should have completed (or are about to submit) a PhD (research associate) or (under)graduate degree (research assistant) in neuroscience, biology, engineering, or other relevant disciplines. We are looking for someone with previous experience in two-photon imaging/electrophysiology/optogenetics/pharmacology/histology and behavioural training in mice, and strong data analysis skills (e.g. Matlab or Python). For more information about the lab see https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/svl/.

Informal enquiries about the position can be made to Dr Jasper Poort (jp816@cam.ac.uk).

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD; those without a PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

To apply for this post, please submit a CV, motivation letter detailing why you want to be part of this project and how this post will be a good stepping-stone for your career. We also need the contact details for two people who can provide a professional reference.

The closing date for applications is 7th February 2024.

Please quote reference PM40227 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Would you like to join a friendly and busy department? The Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (PDN) is a large, welcoming, and inclusive Department in the School of Biological Sciences, with an exceptional international record in teaching and research. We are looking for a cleaner to support the Department's diverse and extensive operations.

Our small team of cleaners make essential contributions to our community. You will work as part of the team providing a high standard of cleaning in all areas. Duties will include washing of scientific glassware, cleaning research and teaching laboratories, lecture theatres, offices, corridors, stairways and toilets.

No formal qualifications are required as training will be provided, however NVQ Level 1 Cleaning and Support Services Skills would be advantageous. Experience of laboratory and/or office cleaning would be beneficial. Good communication skills are essential as is the ability to follow written and verbal instructions from supervisors. A willingness to be flexible in approach and reliability are essential.

For this position, the University Real Living Wage (RLW) supplement applies, which sets the minimum rate of pay at £12 per hour.

The position is offered on a full-time basis, though we also welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working (minimum 25 hpw) or other flexible working arrangements. The hours of work are flexible, between 7am and 4pm.

For more information about this post, please contact Katie Conran, Facilities and Operations Manager kc662@cam.ac.uk.

Fixed Term: The funds for this post are available for 6 months in the first instance.

Apply

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

On the online form, in the suitability for the role section, you should explain the reasons for your application and how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role. The full contact details for two professional referees should be provided; please note that we will assume that you are happy for us to approach your referees at any stage, unless you indicate otherwise in the space provided on the form.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 25 January 2024. Interviews will take place shortly after the closing date.

Please quote reference PM40054 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.