This is a position for 10 months initially with possibility of further extensions, available from 1 August 2016, or as soon as possible thereafter.

We use Xenopus tadpoles as a model vertebrate to study how motor rhythms (swimming, struggling) are generated. It is widely known that both cellular properties and synaptic connections are important in determining neural network outputs. We have recently identified the most critical neurons in the swimming rhythmogenesis (Soffe et al., 2009 J Physiol; Li et al., 2010 J Neurosci; Moult et al., 2013 Neuron) and mapped out their synaptic connections. The work in this project will investigate the ionic channels that give these neurons some interesting properties at rest and during swimming, such as rebound firing and less negative resting membrane properties. The main techniques to be used are visually-guided current- and voltage-clamp whole-cell recordings similar to those used on brain slices and dynamic clamping. Previous training in electrophysiology is essential and experiences in microscopic dissections are desirable. This project will involve close collaboration with Dr Steve Soffe and Prof Alan Roberts in the School of Biological Sciences in the University of Bristol (http://www.bristol.ac.uk/biology/research/behaviour/xenopus/, and Prof Roman Borisyuk in Plymouth University.

For more information about our research, please visit https://risweb.st-andrews.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/wenchang-li%283df3bd33-5a09-455f-99f3-555a4d137dba%29.html.

Informal inquiries to Dr Wen-Chang Li e-mail: wl21@st-andrews.ac.uk.

The University of St Andrews is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all, which is further demonstrated through its working on the Gender and Race Equality Charters and being awarded the Athena SWAN award for women in science, HR Excellence in Research Award and the LGBT Charter;  http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/diversityawards/.
 
Please quote ref:  AR4900ML

Closing Date: 24 June 2016

Further Particulars: AR4900ML FPs.doc

School of Psychology and Neuroscience
Salary:  £31,656 - £34,576 per annum, pro rata
Start Date:  1 August 2016, or as soon as possible thereafter
Fixed Term:  10 months, initially