Postdoctoral Research Scientist

at  University of Oxford

FIXED-TERM UNTIL 30/04/2027, FULL-TIME

The Cragg lab alongside other groups within Oxford (Wade-Martins and Magill), London (Kittler) and Germany (Liss) are conducting a collaborative Wellcome funded research project to explore the physiological roles of Ca2+ in dopamine transmission to gain insights into the potentially toxic roles of Ca2+ in Parkinson’s disease.
This project will exploit state-of-the-art tools to understand the roles of Ca2+ influx, storage and signalling within dopamine axons in wild-type animal models of Parkinson’s. This project will compare the Ca2+ biology across striatal territories to improve our understanding of the role of Ca2+ in health and disease. Our recently published data suggests that the roles of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels are dynamically regulated across striatal territories in a manner that correlates with risk factors of Parkinson’s [REF].
In this project we will develop a better understanding of the downstream coupling of Ca2+ to mitochondrial function to better understand the selective vulnerability of a subset of DA neurons in Parkinson’s, and potentially identify druggable targets that could neuroprotective potential in the treatment of Parkinson’s. We are now seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Scientist with a strong interest in Ca2+ biology to join us as part of this exciting collaboration.
Duties include contributing to overseeing the management and genotyping of animal model colonies and parkinsonian models; adapting existing and developing new scientific techniques and experimental protocols; testing hypotheses and analysing scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate; contributing ideas for new research projects and developing ideas for generating research income.
You will have a strong background in electrophysiological and/or electrochemical and/or photometry techniques, to investigate neural circuits or synapses of the central nervous system. Applicants must hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in a relevant area of neurobiological research.
The fixed term post is available immediately. The post will be based in The Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics, Sherrington Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT
Informal enquiries may be directed to the DPAG HR Team – hr@dpag.ox.ac.uk / Professor Stephanie Cragg –stephanie.cragg@dpag.ox.ac.uk
Closing date for applications is midday on 12/04/2024.
Interviews are likely to be held on the week commencing 29/04/2024.
Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford.
While 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.
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. – DPAG Statement of Inclusio

Please refer the Job description for details