Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Sherrington Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT
Contract & job type: Full-time, fixed-term for 12 months
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:
Reporting to Professor Zoltán Molnár, the post-holder will work within the Molnár research group on a Wellcome Trust-funded project. They will supervise students and lead a defined area of research, developing and validating methods to quantitatively map glial cell distribution in mouse brains using histological and transcriptomic techniques.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage independent research and associated administration, coordinating activities to meet deadlines
- Develop and apply experimental techniques to study glial cell distribution following neuronal manipulation
- Analyse complex scientific data and refine research hypotheses
- Contribute to new research ideas and funding proposals
- Support preparation of publications, reports, and presentations
- Operate specialist laboratory equipment
- Provide guidance on experimental techniques within the research group
- Represent the group at meetings, seminars, and collaborative events
- Work collaboratively with national and international partners
- Contribute to general lab operations and maintenance
Selection criteria:
- PhD/DPhil in Neuroscience (or near completion)
- Experience working with glial cells in the animal model brain
- Strong knowledge of astrocyte and microglial structure/function, including confocal imaging, 3D reconstruction, and molecular analysis
- UK Home Office personal licence with relevant procedural competency
- Ability to manage independent research
- Track record of contributing to relevant publications and presentations
- Experience developing research ideas and supporting funding applications
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with confidence presenting research
- Commitment to inclusive and collaborative working environments
Please refer to the job description for the full responsibilities and selection criteria.
What we offer:
Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:
- Hybrid working
- 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
While this is a full-time role, we welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
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 12/08/2026.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 24/08/2026, and will be held 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, Bluesky and Instagram to learn more about our work and culture. Informal enquiries about the role may be directed to the DPAG HR Team:
[email protected]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.
DPAG and Sustainability:
We have signed up to The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) and Green Impact, actively implementing and encouraging eco-friendly practices that reduce waste, promote energy efficiency, and promote bio-diversity. See the job description for more detail.
