The Groschner lab studies signal processing in the brain using the fruit fly as a model. Our current research focuses on temporal patterns of neural activity that unfold over hundreds of milliseconds up to minutes. Under the umbrella of temporal signal processing, the successful applicant will address one of the following three questions:

1) What ion channel make-up and what circuit motifs allow neurons to delay signals by hundreds of milliseconds?
2) How does visual information accumulate over time to inform behavioural choice?
3) How does a brain construct a memory that is stable during times of immobility, but exquisitely malleable—sensitive to every step—during locomotion?

The projects rely on a common set of experimental and computational approaches, which include behavioural assays, recordings and manipulations of neural activity in vivo, transcriptomic profiling of neuronal populations, and biophysically realistic modelling of neurons and circuits.

The Groschner lab strives to foster an environment that welcomes, includes, and values people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We provide all Postdoctoral Fellows with the support, space, and resources they need to pursue their goals and place and emphasis on furthering their careers. They will lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators) and may guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a team is essential.

Responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Fellow include the following:

1) Undertake academic research and develop projects in a timely manner
2) Contribute ideas to the research programme
3) Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols
4) Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment
5) Acquire, analyse, and review scientific data to test and refine working hypotheses
6) Provide guidance and training to less experienced members of the research group
7) Develop ideas for generating research income, gather preliminary data, and present proposals to senior researchers
8) Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles
9) Collaborate with colleagues in partner institutions and research groups
10) Attend and participate in academic activities such as lab meetings, journal clubs, wider network meetings, and retreats

These duties are a guide to the work that the post holder will be required to undertake and may change with scientific developments.