Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Full-time, fixed term for 3 years, in the first instance

This opportunity has arisen to join Professors Vladyslav Vyazovskiy, Stuart Peirson and Jason Lerch on their Wellcome Trust project entitled “Brain networks underlying sleep and circadian rhythm disruption (SCRD) in mental health”. The aim of the project is to identify the role of sleep and circadian rhythms in the regulation of functional brain networks, and consequences of sleep disruption on mental illness. We will apply a combination of cutting-edge methodologies in the mouse model. This will include in vivo electrophysiology, neuroanatomical tracing methods, chemogenetics, optogenetics and circadian manipulations.

The post holder’s duties will include: managing your own academic research and administrative activities; adapting existing and developing new scientific techniques; testing hypotheses and analysing scientific data; contributing ideas for new research projects; collaborating in the preparation of scientific reports; acting as a source of information to other members of the group; representing the research group at external meetings; carrying out collaborative projects.

The post holder must hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in Neurobiology or a related area of research, together with relevant experience. They must have considerable experience in techniques of in vivo neurophysiology, including procedures associated with in vivo electrophysiology (EEG/LFP electrode implantation etc.) and/or experience of recording and analysing sleep/wake in rodents, and experience of working with viral vectors. Ideally, they must have proficiency in computational analyses of electrophysiological signals, such as EEG and local field potentials and have the ability to manage own academic research and associated activities. They will also need previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations. It would be desirable if they hold a Home Office personal license and have experience in neuropharmacology and various routes of drug administration in small animal models as well as circadian biology experiments/interventions.

The post is available from 1st May 2024, or as soon as possible.

The post will be based in the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery and Sir Jules Thorne Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU.

Informal enquiries may be directed to the DPAG HR Team – [email protected].

Closing date for applications is midday on 8th of April 2024.

Interviews are likely to be held during the 3rd or 4th week of April 2024.

Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford.

While this is a full-time role, we welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working.

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. – DPAG Statement of Inclusion