The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Department of Experimental Psychology is located on South Parks Road at the new, purpose-built Life and Mind Building a multidisciplinary research and teaching facility that opened in the summer of 2025.

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Research Assistant to provide skilled support for lab members working on a Wellcome Trust-funded project to investigate brain mechanisms of flexible behaviour.

Reporting to Dr Thomas Akam, the post-holder will carry out research supporting the laboratory’s interests. The role will involve a range of activities including general lab management and administration, provide skilled technical support for lab members, and carry out data collection, processing and analysis from mice performing spatial navigation tasks using in vivo physiology methods (electrophysiology, photometry, optogenetics).

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Thomas Akam (thomas.akam@psy.ox.ac.uk).

The successful candidate will have a MSc or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline, and hold a Personal Licence to conduct animal-based scientific work (minimum PIL A,B). They will also have considerable experience in laboratory-based research with excellent communication, organisational and time management skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

The post is fixed-term and funded by the Wellcome Trust for 2 years.