We are seeking applications for a Post-doctoral Research Fellow to work on a BBSRC funded project in Professor James Ainge’s lab entitled ‘Lateral Entorhinal Cortex (LEC) and episodic memory: examining LEC's impact on pattern separation and neurogenesis’. The project will examine how new-born neurons contribute to memory for our everyday lived experience. This project provides an exciting opportunity to apply state of the art neuroscience techniques to help explain memory mechanisms in an understudied part of the brain’s memory network.  

The primary duties will be to conduct a combination of in vivo single unit recording and behavioural experiments to examine the neural mechanisms supporting episodic memory. The experiments will focus on the role of neurogenesis in memory and will make use of genetic and molecular tools to manipulate neurogenesis and LEC in combination with high density silicon probe (neuropixels) recordings. The candidate will work as part of a large interdisciplinary team that provides support for the postholder and expertise in both animal and human models of memory, animal behaviour and system neuroscience.  

The successful applicant will have (or be near to completion of) a PhD in a related discipline with expertise in the systems neuroscience techniques involved and/or behavioural analysis of animal cognition. They will also have experience in publishing scientific findings.   

This is a full-time position (36.25 hrs per week), on a fixed term contract for 36 months, starting 3 July 2023.  

Further details of the project can be found by contacting jaa7@st-andrews.ac.uk; further details of the lab can be found on the Ainge Lab website.     

Applications are particularly welcome from people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in professional posts at the University.    

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience.  We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter, Race Charters and Stonewall). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network.  Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/

Closing Date: 18 April 2023   

Please quote ref: AR2801MR    

Further Particulars: AR2801MR FPs.doc

School of Psychology and Neuroscience

Salary: £36,333 - £39,592 per annum (From August 2023: £37,099 - £40,521 pa) 

Start Date: 3 July 2023

Fixed term: 36 months