Job description
 
We are recruiting a new post-doctoral research associate to investigate the function of chromatin remodelling factors in learning and memory. The PDRA will be based in the laboratories of Professors M. Albert Basson and Peter Giese. The aim of the project is to use a combination of mouse genetic approaches, sterotactic viral injections into the hippocampus, learning and memory and behavioural tests and molecular and epigenetic approaches to determine the functions of these factors in the adult brain and to determine if restoring function in the adult brain can rescue specific learning deficits.
 
The post holder will have a keen interest in chromatin remodelling mechanisms and learning and memory research. This is an exciting opportunity to join us as we build capacity in the exciting new field of epigenetics in learning and memory, which promises to provide fundamental insights into how memories are stored in the brain, the basis of intellectual disabilities and translational possibilities of treating conditions associated with learning deficits by targeting the epigenome. Suitable applicants will have an outstanding academic record and PhD in a relevant field (Genetics, Epigenetics, and/or Neuroscience), ideally with some experience in working with mice, including basic surgical experience and/or relevant molecular approaches.
 
 
This post will be offered on an 12 months (renewal annually for up to 2 years). 
This is a Full time post – 100 % full time equivalent.

Key responsibilities

• Planning and designing experiments, with attention to appropriate controls, statistical power and feasibility to yield robust data  
• Breeding, maintenance, genotyping of mice 
• Performing carefully designed mouse behavioural, learning and memory tests and analysing the data using the most appropriate statistical tests 
• Stereotactic viral injections into the hippocampus 
• Validation of viral infection, gene expression, deletion and/or recombination by a range of techniques including immunohistochemistry, cell sorting followed by Western blot, qRT-PCR and PCR 
• Genome-wide transcriptomic and chromatin analyses using NGS approaches and bioinformatic analyses 
• Presenting results at scientific meetings  
• Writing research manuscripts and publishing in high impact journals 
• Supervising research students 

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria 
 

• PhD in an appropriate discipline (Genetics/Neuroscience) 
• Deep knowledge of epigenetic mechanisms, learning and memory 
• Experience working with mice or rodents 

Desirable criteria 

• Basic surgery/stereotactic injections in the brain 
• Epigenetic and relevant molecular techniques 

This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearance.