Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Sherrington Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT

Postdoctoral Research Scientist in dopamine neuron physiology in Parkinson's

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 project funded by Parkinson's UK in the field of receptor neuromodulation of dopamine neuron physiology. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD/DPhil in a relevant area of neurobiology and expertise in electrophysiological and/or photometry techniques alongside genetic and pharmacological tools to investigate circuits in the central nervous system. In this role, you will be responsible for conducting high quality research to understand how non-canonical glycine receptor shape midbrain dopamine neuron physiology and dopamine transmission, in health and in animal models of Parkinson's disease. You will also help to train and supervise other members of the Group. This full-time post is available from 1st November 2026 until 31st October 2029.

Key responsibilities:

• Work with the grant holders to deliver high quality research that uses real-time electrophysiological and imaging techniques to record dopamine neurons and dopamine release in ex vivo animal model brain slices.
• Apply allied methods that include intracranial vector delivery using stereotaxic surgeries in animal models, pharmacological manipulations, systemic dosing, brain slice immunohistochemistry and microscopy, and molecular analyses of animal model and human brain tissue.
• Help to oversee 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/DPhil in a relevant area of neurobiological research.
• Expertise in electrophysiological recording techniques in animal model brain slices, to investigate neural circuits of the central nervous system.
• Experience in intracranial stereotaxic surgeries in animal models.
• 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 science practices.

What we offer:

Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:

• 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

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.

Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 5th October 2026, and will be either face to face or held on Microsoft Teams.

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

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.