Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Sherrington Building, Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom, OX1 3PT
Contract & job type: Full time, Fixed term for 12 months in the first instance
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 Ahmadlou group. The ideal candidate will be a member of a research group with responsibility for carrying out research to investigate neural mechanisms that shape and adapt behavioural strategies in reward-seeking and defensive contexts. The research will investigate the role of specific neurons and circuits across cortical and subcortical brain areas in processing and integrating internal states, external stimuli, experience, and competing motivations to shape and adapt behavioural strategies and decision-making in foraging and defensive behaviours. In this role, you will be responsible for a project employing cutting-edge circuit neuroscience approaches to target, record, and manipulate genetically defined neuronal populations/pathways. This post is available from 01/09/2026 for 12 months with the possibility to extend.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines
- Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols, including miniaturized two-photon microscopy, in-vivo electrophysiology recording, and behavioural tasks
- Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining computational models and working hypotheses as appropriate
- Design behavioural tasks, train animals, and perform cranial and non-cranial surgeries
- Contribute ideas for new research projects
- Develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals to senior researchers
- Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters
- Participate and present scientific results in regular lab meetings and journal clubs
- Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment
- Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques
- Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone
- Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups
Selection criteria:
- Hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in Neuroscience
- Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the systems and behavioural neuroscience to work within established research programmes
- A significant hands-on experience with in-vivo single-unit electrophysiology or two-photon calcium imaging in mice
- Ability to independently set up experiments and utilize computational models as appropriate
- Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities
- A strong track record of publications
- Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings
- 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
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 29/07/2026.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 10/08/2026.
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.
