Postdoctoral Research Fellow Ref: 32716 (Fixed Term)

A Postdoctoral Research Fellow position, specialised in Neurobiology and Behaviour, is available in the laboratory of Professor Claudio Alonso to study the mechanisms underlying neural development and function in Drosophila. This post is available immediately until 30 June 2028 (with the possibility of an extension).

How the molecular biology of neurons relates to the development and function of neural circuits is an open question in modern neuroscience. The new Research Fellow will investigate this important problem using the latest technology in the field.

You will become a core member of the Alonso lab interacting closely with other group members, and our UK and international collaborators. Together, we will apply the latest methodologies, including molecular biology, transcriptomics, neurogenetics, optogenetics, optical neuronal imaging, neurophysiology, microscopy and quantitative behavioural approaches to gain mechanistic understanding of the molecular underpinnings of neuronal development and physiology.

Our lab is part of the Neuroscience Department which houses a cluster of leading labs investigating neural function in vertebrates and invertebrates, and an active member of Sussex Neuroscience, a university Centre of Excellence, that brings together a large, vibrant and interdisciplinary community of world-class neuroscientists providing an excellent collaborative setting for our research.

The successful candidate will have a degree in Biology, Neuroscience or related disciplines, and be educated to doctoral level. They will have a solid background in Neurobiology, Neurodevelopment or Behaviour, and, ideally, familiarity with Drosophila genetics and behaviour. They will show evidence of engagement in high-quality research activity, have excellent communication and organisational skills, be able to set priorities and meet deadlines, and be capable to work independently – on own initiative, without close supervision – and as a team player supporting other colleagues.

In the School of Life Sciences we strive to understand the mechanisms that drive biological and chemical processes and to develop innovative and diverse approaches to enhance human health, technology and the environment. We undertake multidisciplinary research, teaching and engagement across a wide range of subjects, from Chemistry through Cellular and Molecular Biosciences to Conservation Biology.

The School comprises five Departments: Biochemistry & Biomedicine, Genome Damage and Stability Centre, Neuroscience, Ecology & Evolution and Chemistry. We also house the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre which works to deliver the bench-to-bedside translation of our discoveries. The breadth and depth of our cutting-edge research and innovative teaching practice is delivered by a diverse community who work across boundaries to deliver excellence, engage with real world problems and produce impact.

We pride ourselves on our world-leading research and have a strong research economy, with approximately 50% of our income stemming from research and an active grant portfolio of over £50 million. We host or form part of three University Centres of Excellence: the Genome Damage and Stability Centre, Sussex Neuroscience and Sussex Sustainability Research Programme. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, 90.6% of our Biological Sciences outputs and 84.8% of our Chemistry outputs were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. We are proud that in both areas, 100% of our Impact cases were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.

The School is committed to the University’s core values of kindness, integrity, inclusion, collaboration and courage. We believe that equality, diversity and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility and aim to provide a friendly and supportive environment for all who work, study and visit the School of Life Sciences. The School of Life Sciences is proud to hold a Silver Athena Swan Award.

Our university is situated off the A27, next to the beautiful South Downs where you will enjoy everything that our 150-acre campus has to offer. We are accessible by public transport; Falmer train station is a five-minute walk to campus and several bus stops are located within campus. We also have dedicated cycling paths and encourage our staff to use these with our offering of a cycle to work scheme.

Sussex is a renowned, multi-accredited, research-led International University and this is only possible because of the people that work here. Whether you are a member of Faculty, part of a Professional Services team or a Student, it’s our people that make us great and we want you to be part of that.

The University is committed to equality and valuing diversity, and applications are particularly welcomed from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) at Sussex.

Please note that this position may be subject to ATAS clearance if you require visa sponsorship. The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.

Visa Sponsorship Queries: This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code, and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker Sponsorship if full time. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page for further information about Visa Sponsorship.

Fixed term until 30 June 2028 (with the possibility of extension).

If you are experiencing any issues using our application portal or if you require adjustments to be made to the selection process, please contact us on (01273) 873743 or recruitmentadministration@sussex.ac.uk to discuss your requirements.