Applications are invited for a full-time, fixed-term postdoctoral research associate position to study the neural mechanisms of visual learning in mice. The position is based in the laboratories of Professor Ole Paulsen and Dr. Jasper Poort within the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge.

The project combines patch-clamp electrophysiology, two-photon imaging, and optogenetic manipulation of different cell types and neural projections in visual and decision-making brain areas to understand how mice learn to become experts in different visually-guided decision-making tasks and flexibly switch attention between tasks. A key research aim is to use channelrhodopsin-assisted circuit mapping (CRACM) in brain slices from mouse visual and parietal cortex before and after training on a visual decision-making task to investigate connectivity changes.

The successful candidate will join a supportive, multi-disciplinary, collaborative research environment. Funding for this post is available until 30 September 2027 in the first instance. Upon accepting an offer of employment, the candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) and a security check.

Eligibility Criteria:

• For Research Associate: Must have completed a PhD in neuroscience, biology, or another relevant discipline. Candidates who have submitted their PhD thesis but have not yet received their degree will be appointed at the Research Assistant level and upgraded to Research Associate once the PhD is officially awarded.

• For Research Assistant: Must have completed or be about to complete an undergraduate or graduate degree in neuroscience, biology, or another relevant discipline, or be close to completing a PhD.

• Right to live and work in the UK (the University has a responsibility to ensure eligibility for all employees).

Required Expertise/Skills:

• Expertise in patch-clamp electrophysiology.

• Experience with data analysis methods and platforms (e.g., MATLAB or Python).

• Practical experience with stereotaxic surgery in mice.

Salary Details:

• Overall Scale: £33,002 to £46,049 per annum

• Research Assistant Level: £33,002 to £34,610 per annum

• Research Associate Level: £37,694 to £46,049 per annum

Application Deadline: 25th August 2026 (Placed on 3rd August 2026)

Application Link

• Application Submission Materials: Applicants must submit a CV, a cover letter, a 1-page research proposal on “circuit mechanisms of visually-guided decision-making using patch-clamp electrophysiology,” and contact details of two professional referees. Please quote reference PM50604 on your application and correspondence.

• Contact Email IDs for Informal Enquiries:

  • Professor Ole Paulsen: op210@cam.ac.uk

  • Dr. Jasper Poort: jp816@cam.ac.uk