Wanted: highly motivated, neuroscientist to join the Petersen Lab in Manchester.
A fundamental question in sensory neuroscience is what information sensory neurons convey during natural behaviour (‘sensory coding’). Neuroscience textbooks describe in detail how the cortex is parcelled up into ‘sensory’ and ‘motor’ regions. However, new studies have challenged this dogma by showing that the activity of neurons in areas of the cerebral cortex classically considered to be purely sensory actually depend on an animal’s motor state (eg running speed or whisker movement). The full extent and significance of these findings remains, however, unclear.
The aim of this BBSRC-funded project is to use exciting new methods (electrophysiological recording with large-scale microelectrode arrays, machine learning quantification of behaviour) to investigate this general issue. Specifically, we will test between competing hypotheses for how motor state influences the activity of neurons in sensory cortex. This will be done by recording the activity of neurons in the somatosensory cortex using state-of-the-art Neuropixels probes.
You will join an enthusiastic team with a range of skills. Your role will be to perform electrophysiological experiments and to analyse the data.
You will hold (or be about to hold) a Ph.D. (or equivalent) that demonstrates excellent, relevant skills and have a strong interest in our research aims.
The post will start asap and last for 36 months.
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status
Happy to talk flexible working.
Blended working arrangements may be considered
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Professor Rasmus Petersen
Email: r.petersen@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: hrservices@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
