Following recent awards from both the Michael Uren Foundation and The Wellcome Trust, Dr Samuel Barnes invites applications for postdoctoral Research Associates to take leading roles in high-impact, in vivo systems neuroscience research. The Barnes Lab, part of the UK Dementia Research Institute investigates vulnerability in the ageing brain, aiming to understand the role of neural circuit plasticity in the healthy adult brain, ageing and early-stages of neurodegeneration.
Project 1: Investigation of tau and alpha-synuclein pathology on synaptic vulnerability and in vivo circuit dysfunction
You will investigate how the interaction between alpha synuclein and tau pathology can drive synaptic and circuit dysfunction in vivo. This research leverages a novel Light Field Imaging platform capable of volumetric voltage imaging at kilohertz rates, expansion microscopy and synaptic spatial proteomics in combination with recently developed mouse models of pathology to understand how tau and alpha-synuclein pathologies, and the combination of the two, can trigger synaptic dysfunction.
Project 2: Real-time volumetric voltage imaging and bioelectronic targeting of Alzheimer's Disease related circuit dysfunction
You will develop non-invasive, closed-loop interventions for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) circuit dysfunction. This research leverages a novel Light Field Imaging platform capable of volumetric voltage imaging at kilohertz rates. The project aims to integrate this real-time imaging with Temporal Interference (TI) brain stimulation to investigate and rescue neurovascular and circuit-level deficits in AD-related mouse models. See news article below:
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/articles/medicine/brain-sciences/2026/wellcome-awards-392m-to-imperial-team-for-real-time-brain-imaging-breakthrough-/
For both projects, the candidates will execute the delivery of complex in vivo imaging and neuromodulation experiments, together with:
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Interface directly with co-investigators interested in pathology and imaging technologies, bioengineering, computing, and signal processing.
- Mentorship & Output: Supervise PhD/ Masters students and lead the preparation of high-impact manuscripts.
- Funding: You will be actively supported in pursuing independent fellowship applications and collaborative grant opportunities.
You will hold (or be near completion of) a PhD in Systems Neuroscience, Neuroengineering, or a related quantitative biological field, and demonstrate:
- Technical Expertise: Significant experience with in vivo optical imaging, electrophysiology, synaptic proteomics and rodent surgical techniques.
- Analytical Skills: Proficiency in coding and handling large-scale neural datasets is highly desirable.
- Professionalism: A track record of peer-reviewed publications and the ability to work within a highly collaborative, multi-site team.
These role are part of the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) at Imperial College London, located in the Department of Brain Sciences. Postdocs in the UK DRI at Imperial enjoy excellent career development opportunities with:
- Access to a range of cutting-edge technologies.
- An inclusive and collegial working environment with the opportunity to mentor, supervise and teach students.
- Strong national links through the UK DRI and attendance to scientific meeting.
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
- Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
- As a member of research staff you have 10 development days to use to develop your skills and explore your career prospects
- Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
This role is offered full-time for an initial period of 2 years based at Hammersmith Campus.
Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have not yet been officially awarded will be appointed as a Research Assistant.
If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr Samuel Barnes – [email protected]
Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.
