Specialist Technician (Research)

We are looking for a highly motivated Specialist Technician to join our team investigating the neurobiological basis of memory and the role played by neuromodulator transmitter systems.

Within the hippocampus memory representations are stored and updated in a way that depends on uncertainty. This process relies on inputs that signpost new information and regulate the extent to which it is incorporated in future estimates by synaptic plasticity. We will test our central hypothesis that this signposting is performed by functionally overlapping neuromodulator systems interacting in an integrated fashion to signal different types of error and uncertainty. This signal enables appropriate updating of memories stored in the hippocampus providing realistic expectations on which to base decision making in uncertain situations, a fundamental process whose disruption is a core feature of multiple psychiatric disorders.

The role will involve supporting experiments using electrophysiology and 2-photon imaging in rodent brain slices and rodent behaviour to measure where neuromodulation by acetylcholine, dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin occurs in the hippocampal network and how this impacts network function and synaptic plasticity. A critical part of the role will be to develop and implement a cross-institution data sharing system for the whole team. These findings will inform a novel theoretical framework which will be iteratively refined by experiments to selectively manipulate neuromodulator release and downstream targets, providing mechanisms for how neuromodulators integrate to control synaptic plasticity. Ultimately this project will fundamentally reappraise the principles of neuromodulation and its therapeutic potential.

This is a highly collaborative project integrating expertise in neuromodulators and synaptic physiology (Mellor, Bristol), hippocampal representations (Dombeck, Northwestern) and computational modelling (Clopath, Imperial College). The team science approach will require individuals who think creatively and flourish in collaborative environments.

The role is part of a 7 year project that includes multiple posts within the team and is supported by the Wellcome Trust. The role is fixed term for 42 months with potential to extend.