Research Assistant
Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Sherrington Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT
Contract & job type: Full-time, fixed-term for 4 years
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:
The post holder will be a member of the Auditory Neuroscience Group, a productive and well-funded research led by Professor Andrew King FRS. This position is funded by a Wellcome Discovery Award to Professor King and other Principal Investigators (Professor Rafal Bogacz, Professor Colin Akerman and Professor Claudia Clopath), to undertake research that combines experiments and theory to investigate the cellular basis for learning in the neocortex. The post holder will be responsible for providing research support, which will include the collection and analysis of experimental data, for an in vivo study of neuronal plasticity during auditory learning, and will report to Professor King in the Auditory Neuroscience Group and also work closely with other members of this interdisciplinary team.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage own research and administrative activities, within guidelines provided by senior colleagues
- Contribute to wider project planning, including ideas for new research projects
- Determine the most appropriate experimental and computational methodologies to test hypotheses, and identify suitable alternatives if technical problems arise
- Select, follow, and adapt experimental protocols
- Gather, analyse, and present scientific data from a variety of sources and use the data to refine and adapt theoretical models
- Contribute to scientific reports and journal articles and the presentation of data/papers at conferences
- Responsible for general laboratory management and administration, including stock control of laboratory consumables
- Use specialist scientific equipment for measuring behaviour and neuronal activity in a laboratory environment
- Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone
- Contribute to discussions and share research findings with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups
Selection criteria:
- Hold a first degree
- Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes
- Ability to manage own research and administrative activities
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write text that can be published, present data at conferences, and represent the research group at meetings
- Experience of following and adapting protocols and selecting appropriate experimental methodologies relevant to this project
- Experience of analysing experimental data and using computational models
- Experience of creating collaborative and inclusive environments with people from different backgrounds.
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
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 14/08/2026.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 31/08/2026 or 07/09/2026 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.
