Job Description

Research Assistant

Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Sherrington Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT

Contract & job type: Fixed-term, Full-time From 01 March 2026 until 30 July 2030

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 Research Assistant will provide research support for a neuroscience laboratory that studies how cortical circuitry enables behaviour. The laboratory combines mouse behavioural paradigms with cutting-edge techniques (2-photon microscopy, array recording, whole-cell recording, optogenetics, modelling). The post holder provides scientific, technical, and administrative support to the lab members. Scientists include the principal investigator (Prof. Randy Bruno), postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduates. Opportunities exist for the post holder to conduct their own scientific project within the scope of the lab's mission.

Key responsibilities:

Manage own research and administrative activities, within guidelines provided by senior colleagues

Contribute to wider project planning, including ideas for new research projects

Determine the most appropriate methodologies to test hypotheses, and identify suitable alternatives if technical problems arise

Select, follow, and adapt experimental protocols

Gather, analyse, and present scientific data from a variety of sources

Contribute to scientific reports and journal articles and the presentation of data/papers at conferences

Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment

Selection criteria:

Experience of following and adapting protocols and selecting appropriate experimental methodologies

Hold a first degree or master's degree

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

Ability to manage own research and administrative activities

Excellent communication skills

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


This is a full-time role, we welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

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 22/10/2025.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 03/11/2025.
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.