Postdoctoral Research Associate in Neural Circuits and Behaviour

University of Oxford - Department of Pharmacology

Location: Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT

We are seeking a creative and motivated neuroscientist to investigate how distributed brain circuits support flexible learning and decision-making. The postholder will join the Adaptive Decisions Lab (Principal Investigator: Dr Abhishek Banerjee) to lead experimental work on a Wellcome Trust-funded project exploring the mechanisms of behavioural flexibility.

The project combines behavioural training of mice, in vivo two-photon imaging, viral circuit tracing, and computational analysis to study how fronto-sensory feedback microcircuits contribute to adaptive cognition. The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to collaborate on human EEG and translational studies addressing comparable mechanisms in health and neurodevelopmental disorders.

You will manage your own academic research and administrative activities, including small-scale project management; undertake high-quality in vivo neuroscience research investigating the neural mechanisms of behavioural flexibility, using advanced imaging and behavioural techniques in mice; and adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols, with a particular focus on in vivo animal models (mice). This includes performing behavioural training, two-photon imaging, electrophysiological recordings, and surgical procedures (eg lens or electrode implantation, optogenetic viral injections) under appropriate licenses and ethical approvals.

In your application, you should demonstrate that you:

• Hold or are close to holding a relevant PhD/DPhil in Neuroscience or a related subject, together with relevant experience in neurophysiology, optical imaging, and animal behaviour.
• Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in neuroscience to work within established research programmes.
• Have the ability to initiate, formulate and independently manage own academic research and associated activities.
• Have previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations.
• Can contribute ideas for new research projects and draft research proposals.
• Possess excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, create storyboards, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at national and international meetings.

The post is available on a fixed-term basis for three years (on successful completion of a 12 month probation) and is funded by the Wellcome Trust.

The closing date for applications is 12noon on Monday 15th December 2025.

Applicants will be shortlisted shortly after the application deadline and notified in due course. Preliminary interviews will be conducted online from 26-28 January 2026, followed by in-person visits for the shortlisted candidates. Final offers will be made thereafter.