Postdoc in Systems Neuroscience

Investigating circuits for using memory in decision making

The Tamura Lab for Circuit Physiology of Cognition is based in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (PDN) of the University of Cambridge. Why can we easily notice a friend in a crowd and say 'Hello'? Previous neurophysiological studies have revealed how visual inputs are analysed, memorised and recalled, but how the recalled memory is then used to improve perception and make cognitive decisions remains poorly understood. We are investigating brain-wide neuronal circuits signalling object memory for guiding cognitive and perceptual decision makings by developing cutting-edge opto-physiological approaches to marmosets.

The common marmoset is a small non-human primate highly suited for advanced circuit interrogation techniques including high-density electrophysiology, optical imaging and optogenetics, and is developing into the next generation animal model to study physiology and pathology of cognitive functions. University of Cambridge has a world-renowned marmoset neuroscience facility equipped with a 9.4-Tesla MRI and a PET scanners, fully supported by experienced staff.

Your role as a creative circuit physiologist

We are looking for an ambitious and creative systems neuroscientist who can powerfully promote our brand-new marmoset project. Collaborating with lab members and highly supportive marmoset community, you will establish wireless electrophysiology and optogenetics in freely behaving marmosets and reveal the memory circuits which inform perceptual and cognitive decision makings.

Your key experiences

You should have a PhD in a relevant field and demonstrate strong experimental and analytical skills in animal systems neuroscience (electrophysiology, optogenetics, optical imaging, fibre photometry, chemogenetics, molecular tools, etc.). Experiences in non-human primates, small animal MRI, wireless/wired neurophysiology in freely moving animals are excellent additions. Any backgrounds including biology, psychology, medicine, physics, engineering etc. are welcome but you will exercise your creativity and boldness through, establishing new experimental paradigms and obtaining new experimental data. You have to be a team player to further strengthen our marmoset research community in the University of Cambridge.

Grow together

Experiencing from synthetic chemistry, synapse electrophysiology, to cognitive neuroscience, working with mice, rats, marmosets and macaques, and living in Japan, Switzerland and United Kingdom, I believe that the depth and diversity of the team are the source of creativity to synthesise new ideas and go through barriers. I am keen to support your academic career development through fellowship/grant applications, presentation practices, paper writing, network building, and future job hunting, believing that your success is the success of the team. As a postdoc, you will enjoy various training and networking opportunities provided by the PDN, School of the Biological Sciences, and Postdoc Academy where I also serve as an independent mentor. You will also have opportunities to teach and mentor students for your academic development.

Conditions

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges: Research Assistant: £33,002 - £35,608; Research Associate: £37,694 - £46,049

Fixed Term: the funds for this post are available until January 2029 in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

To apply for this post, please submit a single PDF file including 1. CV including your education, research, funding, and publication with hyperlinks, and 2. a motivation letter detailing i) your scientific and career vision, ii) your achievements in animal systems neuroscience, what you have achieved so far, iii) why you want to join our marmoset project, and iv) how this post will move your career forward.
We also need the contact details for two people who can provide a professional reference.

The closing date for applications is 18 January 2026.

Enquiries about the position can be made to the lab head: Dr Keita Tamura (kt532@cam.ac.uk).
Enquiries regarding the application procedure can be made to HR team (pdnhr@pdn.cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference PM48280 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Apply online

Key information

Department/location

Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience

Salary

£33,002-£46,049

Reference

PM48280

Category

Research

Date published

16 December 2025

Closing date

18 January 2026