Job Description

Contract & job type: Fixed-term, Full-time until 30 June 2028

About us:

At the Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG) we undertake discovery science where we reassemble physiological processes at the molecular, cellular, tissue and systems level of organisation. In so doing we provide a bridge to translational medicine, and interface between physical and life sciences. We are committed not only to innovative research and the highest standard of teaching, but also to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment.

Overview of the role:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the research group of Professor Stephanie Cragg on a discovery project in the field of striatal neurobiology. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in a relevant area of neurobiology and expertise in electrophysiological and/or photometry techniques alongside genetic tools ideally for application to investigate astrocyte biology in the central nervous system. In this role, you will be responsible for conducting high quality research using state-of-the-art tools to understand interactions between cholinergic interneurons, astrocytes, and other neuromodulator networks in the striatum, in health and in animal models of Parkinson's disease. You will also help to train and supervise other members of the Group. This post is available until 30 June 2028.

Key responsibilities:

Work with the grant holders to deliver high quality research with real-time electrophysiological and imaging techniques to record striatal neurons and astrocytes in brain slices, and manipulate cells and circuits using viral and other targeting methods.

Apply allied methods that include intracranial vector delivery using stereotaxic surgeries, systemic dosing, brain slice immunohistochemistry and microscopy, and molecular analyses of brain tissue.

Help to overseeing the management and genotyping of transgenic animal model colonies and parkinsonian models.

Selection criteria:

The post holder must hold or be near completion of a PhD in a relevant area of neurobiological research.

Expertise in electrophysiological and/or electrochemical and/or photometry techniques to investigate neural circuits or synapses of the central nervous system.

Expertise in the fields of astrocyte biology and/or glycine receptors and/or striatal circuits.

Experience in intracranial stereotaxic surgeries.

Demonstrable record of originality, creativity and productivity in neuroscience research, as supported by the (co-)authorship of original research papers published in peer-reviewed international journals.

Commitment to open and transparent science i.e. sharing data sets, transparent record keeping, working to a standard operating procedure (SOP).

What we offer:

Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:
An excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days annual leave

A comprehensive range of childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle and electric car loan schemes

Employee Assistance Programme

Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

How to apply:

Please provide a supporting statement outlining how you meet the selection criteria along with your CV, and the details of two referees as part of your online application.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on May 2nd.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing May 19, and will be face to face or on Microsoft Teams.
Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford.

Follow us:

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, X and Instagram to learn more about our work and culture. Informal enquiries about the role may be directed to the DPAG HR Team: hr@dpag.ox.ac.uk

DPAG's Statement of Inclusion:

We, as a Department and Community, will be considerate and welcoming of all people, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socio-economic background. We acknowledge societal inequalities and how these impact us, and those around us, personally and professionally. Our policies, practices and Respectful Behaviours Framework underpin this commitment.