Convergent Research

Meridial – Scientist – In Vivo Neurophysiology

Location
London
Work type
On-site · Full-time
Salary
GBP 60,000 – 75,000 / year
Posted
(2 weeks ago)
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About the role

About Meridial
 
Meridial is a Focused Research Organisation (FRO) with a mission to bring connectomics into the living brain. We are building a platform for longitudinal, synapse-resolution mapping of functional neural circuitry in preclinical models. Our aim is to deploy this platform for translational projects and improve drug development outcomes for disorders of the central nervous system. 
 
Meridial is a new not-for-profit FRO in the Convergent Research Ecosystem and funded by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA).
 
About the role

Meridial is seeking an experienced experimental neuroscientist to join our team as Scientist – In Vivo Neurophysiology.

This is a hands-on scientific role focused on developing and performing advanced in vivo experiments in mice that combine intracellular electrophysiology, two-photon imaging and optogenetic stimulation. You will develop new approaches as part of Meridial’s programme to create advanced 3D imaging and photostimulation technologies for functional mapping of neural circuits.

Your initial focus will be to establish electrophysiological ground-truth measurements for Meridial’s optical approaches to mapping functional neural connectivity. You will combine targeted intracellular recordings with optical imaging and stimulation to understand how synaptic activity and neuronal spiking are reflected in fluorescence signals. Your results will help guide experimental strategy and serve as a crucial foundation for interpreting our optical data. You will also contribute more broadly to Meridial’s experimental programme. That will include performing longitudinal two-photon imaging and optogenetic experiments and developing new approaches that extend the capabilities of our platform.

We are looking for an exceptional experimentalist who combines strong electrophysiological and imaging expertise with scientific independence. You will join a growing Experimental Team and report to the Director of Experimental Research. You will work closely with engineers and computational researchers across Meridial and help train and mentor experimental team members.

Key Responsibilities

In vivo experimentation

Develop and perform high-quality in vivo whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in current and voltage clamp, including two-photon-guided targeted patching combined with optical imaging and optogenetic stimulation. Contribute to analysis of electrophysiological and imaging data. Design and run in vivo experiments combining two-photon imaging and optogenetic stimulation, including longitudinal imaging of the same animals. Perform neurosurgical procedures required for in vivo electrophysiology and imaging experiments. Monitor recording and imaging quality, physiological stability and animal welfare throughout acute and longitudinal studies and identify and resolve sources of noise, artefacts and variability.

Method and platform development

Set up Meridial’s in vivo electrophysiology rig together with in-house experts, integrating acquisition with two-photon imaging and optogenetic stimulation. Lead the development, optimisation and validation of targeted patching methods. Optimise experimental configurations to improve recording stability, signal quality, reproducibility and throughput, and establish quantitative quality-control criteria and reproducible workflows for electrophysiological, imaging and multimodal experiments. Work with the Computational Team to develop analysis workflows, and to make sure data and metadata meet the standards needed for open sharing. Evaluate emerging technologies and experimental approaches relevant to Meridial's platform.

Scientific contribution and team development

Contribute to experimental design and interpretation across Meridial's research programmes, particularly the validation of optical measurements of neural activity and connectivity. Train and mentor other team members in electrophysiological, imaging, surgical and related experimental techniques. Maintain thorough experimental documentation and promote high standards of rigour, reproducibility and animal welfare. Communicate findings, technical challenges and recommendations clearly to colleagues across disciplines.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

PhD in neuroscience, neurophysiology, biophysics or a related discipline, or equivalent research experience. Substantial (3+ years’) hands-on experience with whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, including high-quality current-clamp recordings. Strong practical expertise in electrophysiological troubleshooting, including obtaining and maintaining stable recordings, optimising recording quality and distinguishing physiological signals from technical artefacts. Experience with the surgical preparations required for in vivo electrophysiology, such as craniotomy and headplate implantation. Substantial hands-on experience with in vivo two-photon microscopy. Excellent understanding of neuronal physiology and biophysics, including synaptic transmission, membrane-potential dynamics and intrinsic excitability. A track record of developing, adapting or substantially improving experimental methods, not only applying established protocols. Ability to translate scientific questions into well-controlled experimental designs. Working proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for analysing imaging data and electrophysiological recordings, including synaptic events, action potentials, stimulus-triggered responses and neuronal response properties. If you do not already hold a UK Home Office Personal Licence covering the relevant procedures, willingness to complete the required training before starting the role. Meridial will cover the costs of the required training and licence application. Candidates trained under another national regulatory framework are very welcome. Strong commitment to animal welfare, the 3Rs and rigorous experimental practice. Strong communication, organisation and collaborative working skills.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

Experience with any of the following would be particularly valuable:

In vivo two-photon-guided targeted whole-cell recordings in mouse cortex, including shadow patching and recording through cranial windows or other optical-access preparations. Mouse neurosurgery for chronic preparations, including stereotaxic viral injections, cranial-window implantation and preparation of animals for longitudinal imaging. Design and execution of optogenetic experiments, including light-power calibration, stimulation-pattern design and appropriate experimental controls. Longitudinal two-photon imaging of the same neural populations or subcellular structures over weeks or months. Advanced two-photon microscopy systems, including random-access scanning, adaptive optics, three-dimensional targeting or volumetric imaging. Genetically encoded calcium, voltage or neurotransmitter indicators. Building, modifying or maintaining electrophysiology rigs and integrating electrophysiological acquisition systems with optical instrumentation. In vivo electroporation, intracellular labelling or post-hoc recovery of recorded neurons for morphological or anatomical analysis. A current UK Home Office Personal Licence covering the relevant procedures. Experience training or mentoring researchers in experimental techniques. Preparing experimental data for open sharing.

Physical Demands

Fine motor skills for operating computers and office/lab equipment Ability to move light-to-moderately heavy items (typical lab supplies/equipment); may include occasional lifting/carrying with appropriate equipment (e.g., carts/dollies)

The Person We Are Looking For

You are an experimental scientist with exceptional electrophysiological skills, strong quantitative reasoning and a passion for developing technically challenging neuroscience experiments. You enjoy complex problems that require integrating multiple techniques, and you are comfortable taking ownership of an experimental challenge: systematically identifying the sources of technical difficulty and developing reliable solutions.

The role requires patience, precision and sustained attention during demanding experiments, together with the creativity and scientific judgement needed to develop new approaches. You will have considerable autonomy within your area of expertise and will be expected to contribute ideas about how Meridial’s experimental platform should evolve. You are keen to broaden your expertise and apply it to new research challenges as our scientific programme develops, and you enjoy working closely with engineers and computational researchers and sharing expertise across disciplines.

Position Type / Schedule

Start date: March 2027 (preferred), with some flexibility. Full-time, 37.5 hours/week. Laboratory based in London, with an on-site presence of 4–5 days per week due to the experimental nature of the role. Longitudinal experiments and post-operative animal care will at times require work outside normal hours, including occasional weekends. This will be planned in advance and shared across the team as it grows.

Additional Information

Application materials: CV/resume + cover letter  2 references will be requested during interviews Generous Benefits will be communicated in interviews For exceptional candidates, Meridial will consider visa sponsorship and relocation support.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law or company policy. We strive for a diverse, healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.
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