Research Assistant in Neuroscience

The Role

Your role…. You are a highly skilled and motivated Scientist with a strong background in electrophysiology to join our Experimental Neuroscience team. You will conduct advanced research focusing on whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in mouse and human brain tissue to investigate the multiscale effects of neuromodulators such as histamine and serotonin using a combination of optogenetic release and pharmacology.

The project…. The neocortex is a complex brain structure that commands higher-order cognitive functions such as intelligence, learning and memory. It is densely innervated by neuromodulatory projections, which control the multiscale organization of neurons, synapses and network activity. The effects of neuromodulators in the cortex are typically studied at a single level of organization – neurons, synapses or networks. Consequently, much of the prevailing views on high-level cortical function appear to be centred around ideas that largely ignore the multiscale effects of neuromodulation. 

The overall aim of this project is to systematically dissect the multiscale functional logic governing neuromodulatory release in mouse and human cortical circuits by employing an innovative toolbox of whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology and optogenetic release. The project is funded by a Lister Institute Research Prize. 

We have 2 full time posts offered on a fixed term basis for a period of 18 months with a possibility of extension (project end date is 7 August 2026).

For informal enquiries contact: Dr Srikanth Ramaswamy at srikanth.ramaswamy@newcastle.ac.uk.

Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/

Find out more about our Research Institutes here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/research/institutes/

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles.  These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Please note that if you are successful to this role, you will require medical clearance before you can commence in the role.

Key Accountabilities

• Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value' 
• Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements 
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding 
• Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
• Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
• May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants 
• Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute
• May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
• Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment

The Person 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
• Detailed subject knowledge of neuroscience and neurophysiology 
• Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects 
• High level of analytical and problem-solving capability 
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others 
• Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment 
• Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications 
• Perform whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology experiments in mouse and human brain tissue
• Analyse the impact of neuromodulators such as histamine and serotonin on neuronal activity
• Handle and care for laboratory animals, ensuring compliance with ethical standards
• Conduct immunohistochemistry and morphological reconstructions to support electrophysiological findings
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to advance the understanding of neuromodulation in the brain
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of research findings

Desirable

• Experience with stereotaxic surgery 
• Proficiency in performing viral injections in brain tissue
• Knowledge of advanced data analysis software and techniques 

Attributes and Behaviour

• Extensive experience with whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, optogenetics and pharmacology
• Proficiency in handling and working with laboratory animals (having a UK Home Office PIL A, B, K would be an advantage)
• Expertise in immunohistochemistry and 3D morphological reconstructions of axons and dendrites
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities

Desirable

• Experience with stereotaxic surgery 
• Proficiency in performing viral injections in brain tissue
• Knowledge of advanced data analysis software and techniques 

Qualifications

• A PhD (or close to finishing a PhD) in Neuroscience, Physiology or a related field is required.  Those nearing completion of a PhD will be offered the role as Research Assistant and those with a PhD will be offered the role as Research Associate

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 27684