Postdoctoral Researcher – the molecular neurobiology of voltage-gated calcium channels - Maternity cover

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Department of Psychiatry is based on the Warneford Hospital site in Oxford – a friendly, welcoming place of work with an international reputation for excellence. The Department has a substantial research programme, with major funding from Medical Research Council (MRC), Wellcome Trust and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and provides highly rated medical training in psychiatry.  The Head of Department is Professor Belinda Lennox.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher who will be using molecular methods to explore the expression of voltage-gated calcium channels in the brain and their relevance to bipolar disorder and other psychiatric disorders. Methods to be used include long-read sequencing, PCR, and Basescope. The postholder will also participate in bioinformatic analyses and will liaise with researchers investigating other aspects of the channels, including pharmacologists and cell biologists.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing, and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

The post is available on a flexible hybrid basis. The minimum on-site time is 2 days/week

About the Role

The post is based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital and is to cover the absence of the substantive postholder, who is taking a period of maternity leave. The post is available until 31 January 2026 or the actual return of the substantive postholder, or the resignation of the substantive postholder and employment of a new postholder, whichever is the earliest. The post is full-time, but we would also welcome applications from candidates wishing to work part-time (minimum 80% FTE).

Whilst the role is a Grade 7 position, we would be willing to consider candidates with less experience who are seeking a development opportunity, for which an initial appointment would be at Grade 6 (£36,024-£44,263p.a.) with the responsibilities adjusted accordingly. This would be discussed with applicants at interview/appointment where appropriate.

You will participate in and conduct molecular neurobiological experiments including techniques such as Nanopore long-read RNA sequencing and PCR. You will work collaboratively on these experiments with other members of the group, and with other multidisciplinary researchers in the group in Oxford and elsewhere. You will maintain a detailed electronic lab book.

About You

You will have or be close to the completion of a PhD/DPhil in psychology or a relevant field. You will have experience working with RNA from tissues and/or cells in a molecular biology lab, and specific experience working with a range of DNA and RNA molecular biology techniques, including reverse transcription and PCR.

You will have excellent record-keeping skills and the ability to work collaboratively.

Experience working with brain tissues and RNA-sequencing would be desirable.

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