Job Description

Contract & job type: Fixed-term, Full-time until 31 October 2026

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:

The postholder will report to the group leader Professor Stephanie Cragg. The post holder will be a member of the Cragg research group with responsibility for carrying out research contributing to our group's focus on understanding the neuromodulators and underpinning mechanisms that shape dopamine transmission and related circuits, as part of our international collaborative project funded by Aligning Science Across Parkinson's. The post holder will provide guidance to less experienced members of the research group, including postdocs, research assistants, technicians, and PhD and project students.

Key responsibilities:

Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines

Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols

Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate

Contribute ideas for new research projects

Develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals to senior researchers

Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters

Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment

Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques

Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone

Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups

Maintain clear and transparent data sets, metadata records and standard operating procedures (SOP) appropriate for sharing through open access initiatives.

Selection criteria:

Hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in a relevant area of neuroscience, together with relevant experience

Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes

Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities

Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations

Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation

Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings

Commitment to engaging with, and promoting awareness of, equality, diversity and inclusion and embedding these into your work.

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 noon on Thursday 31 July 2025.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 04 August 2025, and will be face to face or 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.