Research Technician

Summary of the role

This part time (0.6 FTE) 48-month fixed term post is available from 1st July 2024 based in the Living Systems Institute and the Hatherly laboratories. The post holder is required to work under the direct supervision of Dr Kyle Wedgwood to provide technical support for UKRI funded research.

The research work will focus on developing new technology and algorithms to modulate synaptic interactions in neuronal network cultures. These tools will be embedded in closed-loop multielectrode array experiments and used to shed new light on how electrical rhythms are generated in neuronal networks. These rhythms are fundamental to neurocomputational processes such as working memory, in which information is stored as a temporally ordered sequence of persistent electrical activity. Improved knowledge of how synaptic properties, such as axonal propagation delays and connectivity maps between neurons, shape electrical rhythms will thus provide insights into fundamental neuronal computations.

The day-to-day activities will be mainly based on in vitro cell culture preparation, involving passaging, and transfecting of cell lines; and preparation for electrophysiology experiments, involving preparation of recording solutions and potentially some imaging studies. Being a casual-claim job position, the work can be carried out at any point during the week, accordingly to the experimental planning. This project will involve the use of the human neuronal cell line NTERA-2, and will involve recording from monolayer networks of such cells.

Applicants will hold a BSc in a bioscientific discipline and will have previous experience of wet-lab electrophysiology and immunostaining. Successful candidates will possess a keen eye for detail and organisation, and will be able to work autonomously and in groups.

The University of Exeter is the fastest rising, fastest growing University in the UK, we offer you the opportunity to join a Russell Group University ranked within the UK top ten and globally recognised amongst its vast range of Sciences.

We need a team of talented individuals to support our teaching and research, and in training the next generation of top scientists.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024).  We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.  More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Further information

Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Dr Kyle Wedgwood, email: K.C.A.Wedgwood@exeter.ac.uk.

The starting salary will be from £26,444 on Grade D, depending on qualifications and experience.