Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Sherrington Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT

Contract & job type: Full-time, fixed term for 2 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: We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Lak lab at DPAG. The ideal candidate will have (or be close to completion of) a PhD/DPhil in systems neuroscience or a related field, with substantial experience in experimental and computational neuroscience. In this role, you will be responsible for designing and conducting innovative research project on neuronal bases of learning on an ERC-funded project. 34 for a duration of 2 years, with a possibility to extend subject to funding availability.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and perform experiments to investigate neuronal bases of learning
• Design and conduct computational data analysis
• Present results and findings in international conferences
• Prepare scientific manuscript for publication
• Provide guidance for junior lab members

Selection criteria:

• Hold or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in neuroscience or related discipline
• Extensive previous experience in system neuroscience tools (multi-photon imaging, electrophysiology, behavioural tasks and optogenetics) and analysis of complex neuronal and behavioural data
• Effective oral and written scientific communication skills

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

• 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 12:00 noon on 27th of May 2026.

Interviews are likely to take place during the weeks commencing 08th or 15th of June 2026, and will be held remotely 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: hr@dpag.ox.ac.uk

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.