Research Fellow in Neuroscience

Based in a new purpose-built laboratory space within the Institute of Membrane and Systems Biology you will work on the project ‘Insulin sensing in the Dorsal Vagal Complex (DVC) of the Brain’ under the supervison of Dr Beatrice Filippi.
The project aims to uncover the neuronal networks involved in insulin sensing in the DVC and subsequent regulation of glucose metabolism and feeding behaviour. This project will apply in vitro techniques such as biochemical assays, western blotting (WB), molecular cloning and adenovirus preparation. The in vivo techniques will be performed rodents. They will receive DVC stereotactic surgery to implant cannulae for brain infusion to facilitate the localised administration of pharmacological compounds or adenoviruses. Vascular surgeries will be performed for systemic infusions and blood analysis.

You will perform pancreatic (basal insulin)-euglycemic clamp studies (measuring the amount of glucose the liver releases in the blood) and glucose tolerance tests (measuring how blood glucose levels return back to normal after glucose injection). Using these procedures, you will investigate the effects that DVC insulin sensing and resistance have on HGP and on whole-body glucose regulation, respectively. In addition, you will monitor the effects on body weight and food intake.

To study the neuronal networks involved in insulin sensing in the DVC, you will apply immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology techniques ex vivo and you will use genetically encoded calcium sensors and optogenetics and/or chemogenetics techniques in vivo.

You should have or be close to completing a PhD in physiology or neurophysiology. You will have practical experience in working with rodents and in performing surgical procedures and/or electrophysiology, optogenetics would be advantageous.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr Beatrice Maria Filippi, University Academic Fellow in Neuroscience

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 4424, email: b.m.filippi@leeds.ac.uk