Postdoctoral Neuroscientist at the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit

The MRC BNDU is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Neuroscientist to work as part of an exciting new multi-centre collaborative research programme that is funded by Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) and is focused on the neuroscience of Parkinson’s disease. Researchers at the MRC BNDU are contributing to this collaboration through leveraging their leading expertise in high-resolution in vivo studies of neuron and neuromodulator function/dysfunction in mouse models. This Postdoctoral Neuroscientist will, through their affiliation to the Magill Group at the MRC BNDU, join the ASAP Collaborative Research Network, an international, transdisciplinary, and multi-institutional network of investigators working together to address fundamental science questions and accelerate discovery research in Parkinson’s.

The post holder will develop, execute, analyse and report on a combination of state-of-the-art electrophysiological, photometric, optogenetic and/or behavioural investigations in rodents, with a focus on elucidating the function and dysfunction of brain cells and neuromodulators in health and experimental Parkinson’s.  In addition to having a PhD (or M.D.) or equivalent qualification in a relevant research discipline, candidates are also expected to have technical expertise in electrophysiology, and/or the optical monitoring/manipulation of cell activity, and/or techniques for quantifying animal behaviour.

This posts offers special opportunities for innovative neuroscientists who enjoy team work and are committed to best practice supporting open science: the post holder is expected to collaborate with and regularly engage other members of the ASAP Collaborative Research Network at the University of Oxford and further afield, and the post holder will share their data/protocols/code and other pertinent research resources with Network members and, ultimately, with the wider research community.

The post holder will be part of the Magill Group based at the MRC BNDU.  The Group has a strong track record in studying the functional organization of the basal ganglia and partner neuronal networks in rodents, including in models of Parkinson’s.  The Group uses multidisciplinary approaches to elucidate the function and dysfunction of these brain circuits, employing advanced techniques to monitor and manipulate neurons.  The proposed research will take full advantage of the intellectual environment, capital equipment, technical expertise and excellent infrastructure in place at the MRC BNDU.  There will be ample opportunities for the post holder to develop skills on the job and to work in partnership with researchers in other Unit Groups as well as with members of the ASAP Collaborative Research Network.

This post is full-time fixed-term with an end date of 31st October 2024 in the first instance, with an initial probationary period, to start as soon as possible. The post is a University Grade 7 (07S) position with a starting salary of between £33,309 and £40,927 per annum. Owing to the nature of this position, any offer of employment with the University will be subject to a satisfactory security screening.

Informal enquiries can be addressed to Professor Magill.

Applications must be made via the University of Oxford’s online recruitment system, using Vacancy ID 159537.

The closing date for applications is 12 midday UK time on Friday 2nd September 2022. Interviews will be held shortly thereafter.