Postdoctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Postdoctoral Position: Neural Mechanisms of Learning in Drosophila Larvae

Our lab is dedicated to understanding the neural mechanisms underlying learning and behaviour in Drosophila larvae. The primary brain structure involved in learning in Drosophila is called the mushroom bodies, which is organized into multiple functional compartments. Our lab has recently published the full connectome of the larval brain, uncovering the complex and highly recurrent connectivity map of the mushroom bodies. In addition, previous work from our lab and others has shed light on basic rules of plasticity of some of the mushroom bodies compartments. However, the precise functional role of each compartment remains largely unknown.

This project aims to investigate learning and action-selection in Drosophila larvae. The successful candidate will image the activity of all brain neurons during a range of learning tasks and then process the same brain for electron microscopy imaging and then reconstruct neurons whose activity changes after learning.

By integrating behavioural assays with high-resolution neural imaging, this work seeks to provide deeper insight into how learning is compartmentalized within the mushroom bodies and how these circuits are modulated during experience-dependent plasticity.

The ideal candidate will

• Hold a PhD in neurobiology or a related field.
• Have demonstrated experience working with Drosophila, particularly in the context of behavioural assays.
• Experience with whole-brain imaging of neural activity using multi-view light-sheet microscopy
• Be proficient in electron microscopy reconstruction of neural circuits
  
  

We are looking for a motivated and interdisciplinary researcher who enjoys working at the interface of behaviour, neurobiology, and technology.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 4 months in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Dr Marta Zlatic [email: [email protected]]

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Paulina Lasocka [email: [email protected]]

Please quote reference PF47574 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Apply online