Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, Tinsley Building, Mansfield Road, Oxford

Contract & job type: Full time, fixed term until 30 September 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:

A postdoctoral research scientist post is available in Gero Miesenboeck's lab at University of Oxford's Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour.

The goal of this project is to investigate the physiological changes in the nervous system of Drosophila melanogaster that occur during sleep. By quantifying these changes, we aim to identify the neural mechanisms underlying distinct sleep stages and, ultimately, to uncover the functional role of sleep.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will design and implement an experimental platform to measure key physiological parameters in sleeping flies. You will also assess the functional significance of these parameters using a combination of genetic, behavioural, and imaging approaches. The high-quality data generated through this work will be integrated into existing theoretical models of sleep regulation and function.

We are looking for a highly motivated and independent researcher with a strong background in neuroscience, biology, or a related discipline. Given the technical nature of the project, experience with hardware development or custom device fabrication is essential. Familiarity with Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism is highly desirable, especially in the context of behaviour or neural circuit analysis. The ideal candidate will also have expertise in one or more of the following areas: in vivo imaging, behavioural tracking, or the development of data analysis pipelines.

In return, we are committed to supporting your development as an independent researcher by helping you strengthen your scientific, technical, and communication skills. You will contribute directly to scientific publications and present your findings at national and international conferences.

Key responsibilities:

To manage day to day academic duties including taking responsibility for planning tasks and experiments and making sure these are executed in a timely fashion and to deadlines.

To generate high-quality data following a strict scientific methodology.

Analyse and interpret data.

Be willing to learn and develop new experimental, computational and wet-lab techniques and approaches.

Identify genetic reagents and design experiments that test circuit function.

Construct Drosophila strains carrying the most up-to-date genetic tools to test the roles of specific neurons in behavioural experiments.

Assist in the daily housekeeping of the laboratory area and fly stock management.

Actively participate/get involved with all aspects of the Miesenbock Group including developing ideas for generating research income and contributing ideas to potentially new projects.

Interpret results and represent your data at Miesenbock Group lab meetings.

Represent the Miesenbock Group at International and national meetings by presenting posters and giving talks.

Collaborate with other group members to produce publishable data, posters, reports and journal articles.

The possibility of some ad hoc teaching.

Selection criteria:

Have completed or be near to completing a PhD in neuroscience, biology, or a related discipline.

Experience with hardware development, sensor integration, or custom device fabrication.

Experience with at least two of the following programming languages: C++, C#, Python, Shell, Java.

Detailed understanding of the use of animal models to elucidate the circuit basis of behaviour.

Knowledge of or motivation to learn advanced Drosophila genetic-engineering.

Experience in the area of systems neuroscience.

Experience in functional analyses of large amounts of behavioural and functional imaging data.

Good communication skills (written and oral).

Attention to detail.

Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

A proven track record of scientific productivity, including a minimum of two peer-reviewed publications (including one as a lead author).

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 18 August 2025.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing Monday 1 September 2025.

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.