Postdoctoral Research Scientist Full-time

Postdoctoral Research Scientist

We are seeking a postdoctoral research scientist to join the Ahmadlou group at the Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics. The ideal candidate will be a member of a research group with responsibility for carrying out research to investigate neural mechanisms that shape and adapt behavioral strategies in reward-seeking and defensive contexts. The research will investigate the role of specific neurons and circuits across cortical and subcortical brain areas in processing and integrating internal states, external stimuli, experience, and competing motivations to shape and adapt behavioral strategies and decision-making in foraging and defensive behaviors. In this role, you will be responsible for a project employing cutting-edge circuit neuroscience approaches to target, record, and manipulate genetically defined neuronal populations/pathways.

Key responsibilities include managing own academic research and administrative activities, adapting and developing scientific techniques and experimental protocols, testing hypotheses and analyzing scientific data, designing behavioral tasks, training animals, performing surgeries, contributing ideas for new research projects, generating research income, collaborating in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles, and representing the research group at external meetings/seminars.

Selection criteria include holding or being close to completion of a PhD/DPhil in neuroscience, possessing sufficient specialist knowledge in systems and behavioral neuroscience, having hands-on experience with in-vivo single-unit electrophysiology or two-photon calcium imaging in mice, independently setting up experiments, managing own academic research, and having excellent communication skills.

We offer a range of family-friendly and financial benefits including hybrid working, an excellent contributory pension scheme, 38 days annual leave, childcare services, family leave schemes, cycle and electric car loan schemes, employee assistance program, membership to social and sports clubs, discounted bus travel, and season ticket travel loans. Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford.