The successful candidate will be working closely with the faculty and with interdisciplinary national and international collaborators at the crossroads of physiology, hepatology, neuroscience and biomedical engineering. We are looking for an experienced researcher to contribute to this project by investigating the brain circuits or signalling pathways along the liver-brain axis, which lead to the reported MASLD associated brain alterations. Areas of interest for this position include, but are not limited to, stereotaxic microinjections of viral vectors, circuit tracing, chemogenetic manipulations, brain imaging combined with head-fixed behavioural protocols, as well as associated data analysis and interpretation. 

Key responsibilities 

• Plan and execute experiments both independently and in collaboration with other team members, the PI and collaborators

• Data collection and interpretation to generate new ideas to drive the project forward

• Liaise with collaborators on relevant work packages

• Write and submit conference abstracts and manuscripts to communicate and present the research findings.

• Contribute to mentorship and supervision of junior research team members (including students)

• Organise and lead public engagement events alongside team and institute members

• Prepare and submit relevant records and study forms regarding animal research to the Biological Support Unit (BSU)

Essential

• Strong background in Neuroscience/Neurobiology (or relevant disciplines)

• Experience with in vivo experiments in mice with priority in:

• Microinjections

• Circuit tracing

• Chemogenetic manipulations

• Head-fixed awake experiments

• Use of pharmacology

• Experience with managing multiple experiments of moderate scale

• Experience with data analysis, statistics and presentation

• Evidence of working in a team (e.g. collaborative projects)

Highly desirable

• Personal animal license

• Experience with:

• Managing/maintaining chronic disease animal models

• Immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence staining

• Functional and molecular imaging and associated analysis

• Manuscript preparation and funding applications

• Annual pay reviews with progression through our pay scale, matched to King’s College London

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Generous pension scheme with a minimum employer contribution of 8% which increases based on a higher rate of personal contribution

• Flexible, family-friendly working conditions

Our core values:

• We prioritise the wellbeing of our scientists through sustainable working practices and balance.

• Commitment to career development: We offer various training and development opportunities, as well as support for future fellowship applications.

• Welcoming Environment: We celebrate individuality and maintain a friendly atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. We recognise the benefits of engaging with each other’s research, development, and wellbeing.

• Mentorship: We value mentorship and camaraderie, promoting a supportive atmosphere where all group members aid each other in achieving our goals.

• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Everyone in the team is treated equally. Discrimination of any kind is intolerable. We encourage open discussions about the challenges faced by underrepresented groups and ways to address them.

• Open Communication: We value direct and honest communication, encouraging sharing both successes and challenges.

• Intellectual Rigor and Integrity: We are committed to conducting rigorous, ethical, and transparent research at the forefront of our field, making our results and data accessible for future benefits.

• Lab Safety Commitment