Research Assistant at the Centre Developmental Neurobiology - INTERNAL ONLY - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS

THIS VACANCY IS OPEN TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

About us

Whilst genes provide the initial template for the nervous system, environmental experiences can create life-long changes in brain structure. We investigate how the brain forms during embryonic development and early life. Understanding brain development will not only inform us about individual variability - why are we different from each other - but also about the origin of pathological conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia.

Our centre is committed to educating the public through a range of forums and education programmes. We are led by Professor Oscar Marín, who is also Director of the MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

About the role

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant positions funded by the Wellcome Trust to work in the laboratory of Dr Adil Khan, in the Centre of Developmental Neurobiology at King’s College London.

The successful candidate will undertake original and state of the art biomedical research as an integral member of a group working on neural circuits underlying flexible behaviour in mice.  The successful candidate will also provide logistical, technical and organisational support to other group members in the laboratory. The successful candidate will focus on mouse behaviour and cranial surgery.

Applicants should have an MSc in Biological Sciences (or similar) and have a background working in neuroscience, including mouse stereotaxic surgeries, and mouse behaviour. Candidates should be motivated, a team-player and be able to work on their own initiative.

This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/12/2027.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the  Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers , applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the  Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria 

1. MSc in Biological Sciences (or similar)
2. Experience training mice on cognitive task-switching behaviour
3. Experience with cranial optical fiber implant surgery
4. Experience with cranial window implant surgery
5. Experience teaching surgical and behavioural techniques to other lab members

Desirable criteria

1. Troubleshooting malfunctioning lab equipment

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.