Project Associate (I) in the Neuroscience of Action, Cognition, and Timing (NeuroACT) lab
The NeuroACT lab at NCBS Bangalore is seeking 2 motivated candidates to work on an ANRF funded project titled 'Precision optogenetics to improve learning and memory in rats'. This role is for candidates who have completed their BS-MS, M.Sc., or M.Tech degree in Biology, Data Science, or Engineering and are interested in contributing to the development of the optogenetics research pipeline in the lab. This work would involve a combination of building hardware/software for developing closed loop optogenetic manipulation paradigms, managing rodent lines, developing behavioral paradigms for assessing memory, constructing behavioral arenas, fabricating hybrid electrophysiology implants, assisting in surgical implantations, collecting data, and analyzing the data. Each member of the lab also contributes to the lab organisation and management.
In the application, please highlight any familiarity with the following areas: systems and computational neuroscience, linear algebra, time-series analysis, animal behavioural analysis, rodent behavioural analysis, electronics, EEG analysis, gait monitoring, and/ or coding.
Salary – 37,000 + HRA, as per institutional norms and ANRF guidelines (NET qualified); without NET qualification 30,000 + HRA
Eligibility – BS-MS, M.Sc, or M.Tech degree in Biology, Data Science, or Engineering
Duration – upto 3 years (probation period of 3 months, annual renewal)
Scope – Establishing the optogenetics research pipeline in the lab and collecting neural/ behavioral data
Last date – August 5 2025
Key responsibilities:
Early on:
You will work with the PI to order essential parts to establish an optogenetic manipulation and electrophysiological recording and behavioral monitoring rig. This would involve:
- Basic understanding of lasers, optical fibers, electronics and behavioral monitoring parts
- Animal handling
- Learning multi-electrode implants and surgeries
Once you are more settled:
We expect you to manage the animal handling and electrode implant fabrication independently. This would be part of the contribution towards:
- Longer term efforts in the lab to develop precision optogenetic tools for manipulating neural & behavioural variables
- If interested, and given other commitments are met, you might also work on an analysis project that is aligned with ongoing work.
Why join us:
We are establishing optogenetic manipulation techniques from scratch, and that allows you to learn the basics of research in systems and computational neuroscience.
- Weekly lab meetings will provide a chance to learn and present your research.
- The NCBS community has many events that can help you expand your horizons and decide if a career in science or neuroscience interests you.
Ideal candidate profile:
This role is typically suitable for students who have completed their BS-MS, MSc, or MTech degree in Biology, Data Science, or Engineering and want to explore a research career in systems and computational neuroscience. Since we are a new lab, onboarding in the lab can take around six months; ideally, this position is for people who can commit to 2 years in the role. We understand that most students apply for PhD programs somewhere in their second year to start a year later. We are committed to supporting you in your future directions.
Prior experience:
Please only apply if you are interested and motivated to do research systems and computational neuroscience. No prior experience in the field is necessary; however please highlight any prior experience in systems and computational neuroscience, linear algebra, time-series analysis, animal behavioural analysis, rodent behavioural analysis, electronics, EEG analysis, gait monitoring, and/ or coding.
How to Apply:
Read each question carefully and fill the form below by August 1, 2025.
What Happens Next:
After you fill the form below, we will begin reviewing all complete submissions. Selected candidates will be invited for an online and/or in-person interview. The interview will assess your motivation and interest in pursuing a career in systems and computational neuroscience and include a technical component based on your application responses. If you are selected for the position and we determine that we can support your career aspirations, we will extend an offer. Candidates will have 1 week to accept the offer, and the position can begin immediately thereafter.
Note:
Unfortunately, we are not able to give individual feedback to unsuccessful applications. We encourage you to approach other opportunities.
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Simons Foundation funded postdoc position in the Neuroscience of Action, Cognition, and Timing (NeuroACT) lab - Bangalore
The NeuroACT lab at NCBS, Bangalore has an opening for motivated postdoctoral candidates to begin in 2025 to lead a challenging research question in our systems and computational neuroscience laboratory. Interested candidates should fill out the form below to be considered for this position.
These positions are funded by Simons Foundation Grant on the Rapid synchronization between internal cognitive representations and the stepping rhythm.
Salary – 77,000 to 1,07,000 INR + 30% HRA, can be negotiated depending on experience, as per governmental norms
Duration – 3 years (probation period of 6 months, annual renewal)
Scope – collaboratively lead a research question aligned with the key directions of the lab
Last date – August 30, 2025
Key responsibilities:
Early on:
You will work with Abhilasha to develop a research question aligned with the key directions the lab is interested in. Please review our prior work and projects on the lab website. Note that since we are a new lab, and this position is for an experienced researcher, you would also be expected to work closely with the PI towards establishing reliable data collection and analysis pipelines.
Once you are more settled:
We expect you to lead an agreed-upon research project and independently manage the key experiments, and/or computational tasks. You would also be expected to get comfortable with a basic understanding of the electronics and behavioral monitoring parts, animal handling, building multi-electrode implants, surgeries, and computational analysis of large electrophysiology datasets. It will be possible to hire 1 project associate/research technicians working with you at this time.
Why join us:
We are establishing a research team from scratch, which allows you to experience the process of building a research lab in systems and computational neuroscience. Please explore the key research directions in the lab https://www.neuroact.in/projects. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will also be exposed to opportunities that can expand your areas of expertise and leadership, such as through national and international collaborations and attending key meetings in our area of research. We are actively involved in establishing an equitable research lab that prioritizes a healthy work environment and mentorship, and meet weekly to discuss our latest work. The NCBS community also has many events catered towards career development and leadership.
Ideal candidate profile:
This role is typically suitable for candidates who have completed or are close to completing their PhD and are passionate and committed about understanding how neural computations in the brain synchronise with actions that animals take. Curious researchers from many fields have enriched Neuroscience, and we are open to considering applications from scientists who have previously worked in various scientific disciplines. If your research interests align with our lab work, I encourage you to set up an initial conversation to discuss what the research work would entail. Please highlight any familiarity with the following: electrophysiological research, time-series analysis, animal behavioral analysis, gait monitoring, dynamical systems and developing analyses to work with large datasets, open data, open code practices and similar fields (geospatial analysis, engineering etc.).
Any questions: please reach out to ajoshineuro@gmail.com. Will be happy to answer.
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