Postdoctoral Research Scientist

We have an exciting opportunity for a **Postdoctoral Research Scientist** to
join us, this opportunity has arisen from The Wellcome Trust grant entitled
“Brain networks underlying sleep and circadian rhythm disruption (SCRD) in
mental health” awarded to a team of investigators including Professors Jason
Lerch and Vladyslav Vyazovskiy, and led by Professor Stuart Peirson. This post
will be based at the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Oxford.





In this proposal, we will explore the role of brain networks linking SCRD and
mental illness. Neuroimaging studies have suggested a common neurobiological
substrate for mental illness, clustering into overlapping brain networks
defined by characteristic spatial and temporal properties. This framework
proposes a triple network model of psychopathology, based upon interactions
between the default-mode, salience, and central executive networks. We
hypothesise that these networks underpin the bidirectional relationship
between SCRD and mental illness. We propose that sleep and circadian rhythms
play a key role in the regulation of networks - particularly the salience
network. Moreover, we predict that the effects of mental illness on the
salience network explains why SCRD is commonly observed in these conditions,
in turn exacerbating their severity. This bidirectional model explains why
interventions that improve SCRD help ameliorate the aberrant function of these
networks and can improve clinical symptoms.





To test this hypothesis, we will study the role of sleep and circadian rhythms
in the regulation of functional networks using animal models. Mouse models
have provided fundamental insights into the mechanisms of SCRD, enabling the
contribution of specific neuronal circuits and genes to sleep/circadian
behaviour. We aim to explore the interactions between SCRD and functional
brain networks. Specifically, we hypothesise that the salience network is
regulated by both the circadian clock and sleep. We predict that SCRD will
impair the function of the salience network and that manipulations of the
salience network will cause SCRD. To address this hypothesis, the postholder
will undertake MRI and behavioural experiments in wildtype and transgenic
mice.





The post holder will be a member of the Preclinical Imaging Group led by Jason
Lerch, and will be responsible for carrying out research as outlined in the
project in a close collaboration with the groups of Professor Stuart Peirson
and Professor Vladyslav Vyazovskiy. The post holder will also provide guidance
to less experienced members of the research groups, including postdocs,
research assistants, technicians, and PhD and project students.



Please see the below 'Job Description' for further details on the role,
responsibilities, and selection criteria, as well as further information about
the university and how to apply.





**This post is full time and fixed term for 24 months in the first instance.**





**Only applications received before midday 12:00 on Friday 6th December 2024
will be considered. **





**Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.**