Jobs
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Molecular and cellular mechanisms of cognition in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in mouse models
Posted 19 Feb 2021
Employer
Western University
Location
London, Ontario, Canada
Principal Investigator
Lisa Saksida
Contact
Description
The Translational Cognitive Neuroscience Lab at Western University (co-directed by Tim Bussey and Lisa Saksida) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to undertake cutting-edge research in the area of brain mechanisms of cognition and behavior. Its main behavioural approach involves touchscreen-based testing of mouse models, which allows researchers to assess many different aspects of high-level cognition in a way that is highly relevant to human patients. Touchscreen testing also facilitates reproducibility through increased standardization and reductions in experimenter and environmental influence. The lab subscribes to principles of open science, and promotes data and knowledge sharing through mousebytes.ca and touchscreencognition.org.
This project is focused on molecular and cellular mechanisms of cognition in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and will involve combining various neurotechnologies including fibre photometry recording and optogenetic manipulations with touchscreen-based cognitive assessment. The project is part of a collaboration between Western’s BrainsCAN and McGill’s Healthy Brains for Healthy Lives Canada First Research Excellence Fund initiatives and will involve opportunities for interaction across the two sites.
Requirements
Required qualifications:
- Ph.D. in neuroscience or related field.
- Experience with scientific writing.
Required skills:
- Experience in conception, design, and performance of neuroscience-related experiments, including stereotaxic surgery and intracerebral infusions.
- Experience with behavioral assessment in mouse or rat models.
- Experience with in vivo electrophysiology, fiber photometry, optogenetics, chemogenetics, or other methodologies for measuring or manipulating the brain.
- Knowledge of neural mechanisms of learning, memory, and/or other aspects of cognition.
- Good writing skills, evidenced in peer-reviewed publications.
- Skills in statistical analysis in R, SPSS or other relevant programs.
- Advanced mathematical or computational expertise is a plus.
Required abilities:
- Ability to work independently and take the initiative in research projects.
- Collaborative team player.
- Excellent communication skills.