Postdoctoral Research Scientist in dopamine neuron physiology in Parkinson’s


Company:	University of Oxford
Salary:	£39,424 to £47,779 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Oxford, OX1 3PT
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	25 Aug 2026
Closing date:	21 Sept 2026

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Summary

Overview of the role:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the research group of Professor Stephanie Cragg on a project funded by Parkinson’s UK in the field of receptor neuromodulation of dopamine neuron physiology. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD/DPhil in a relevant area of neurobiology and expertise in electrophysiological and/or photometry techniques alongside genetic and pharmacological tools to investigate circuits in the central nervous system. In this role, you will be responsible for conducting high quality research to understand how non-canonical glycine receptor shape midbrain dopamine neuron physiology and dopamine transmission, in health and in animal models of Parkinson’s disease. You will also help to train and supervise other members of the Group. This full-time post is available from 1st November 2026 until 31st October 2029.

Key responsibilities:

• Work with the grant holders to deliver high quality research that uses real-time electrophysiological and imaging techniques to record dopamine neurons and dopamine release in ex vivo animal model brain slices.

• Apply allied methods that include intracranial vector delivery using stereotaxic surgeries in animal models, pharmacological manipulations, systemic dosing, brain slice immunohistochemistry and microscopy, and molecular analyses of animal model and human brain tissue.

• Help to oversee the management and genotyping of transgenic animal model colonies and parkinsonian models.

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