I am always interested in hearing from prospective post-graduate students who wish to pursue research in a neuroscience related field. We can offer a range of Neuroscience based projects using techniques including electrophysiololgy in slices, molecular biology, imaging and microscope development. If you are interested in studying for an MRes or PhD, please feel free to contact me to find out if we have positions available. We also occassionally host MSc or Erasmus project students from other European Universities.

Current Vacancies

We currently have a BBSRC funded studentship available. The post is funded for 3 years from September 2009. (See advertisement below).

Visualising synaptic plasticity and learning.

How does the brain acquire information and store memories? One way is through alterations in the strength of signalling at synapses, the electro-chemical junction formed between neurones allow the brain to aquire information and store memories. Changes in synaptic strength can arise from changes in the amount of neurotransmitter released or in the way receptors on the post-synaptic side of the junction respond to the transmitter.

 In this laboratory, we are interested in how synapses “learn” and we use a combination of electrophysiological recording and imaging techniques to study this. Our long-term goal is to be able to understand how the brain learns so that we can combat disease states that lead to memory loss such as dementias including Alzheimer’s disease.

This project is aimed at developing and using fluorescent protein based sensors that allow us to visualise cell communication directly. By targeting pH- or calcium-sensitive fluorescent proteins to presynaptic proteins involved in transmitter release or postsynaptic receptors that respond to transmitter, we will examine the characteristics of synapses as they learn. The successful applicant will use a combination of electrophysiology, confocal, multiphoton and CCD based imaging techniques as well molecular biological methods to address these questions.

Professor Hartell’s laboratory and the department of Cell Physiology and Pharmacology are very well equipped and offer an excellent environment for motivated students interested in pursuing a career in research.

Applicants should send their CV and a brief cover letter summarising their interests and experience to Professor Nicholas Hartell (nh88@le.ac.uk)

Closing Date: 31 March 2009