Job reference: BMH-032529
Salary: UoM Grade 6 £37,694
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Biology, Medicine Health
Location: Oxford Road
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection, and Respiratory Medicine
Hours Per Week: Full time (1FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 03/11/2026
Contract Duration: Fixed term for 18 months
School/Directorate: School of Biological Sciences
We are seeking an experienced/senior postdoctoral researcher in neuroscience to explore how the immune system shapes hypothalamic circuits involved in sleep-wake cycle regulations during development and in response to inflammation. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly ambitious, competitive, and motivated individual interested in developing an innovative research programme combining immunology and neuroscience.
The post holder will investigate the mechanisms involved in sculpting inhibitory and excitatory circuits in the hypothalamus, from early life through to adulthood. The successful candidate will join the Quintana Lab, based within the Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation and the Geoffrey Jefferson Centre for Brain Research, working within a dynamic, collaborative and inclusive research environment.
You will be responsible for:
- To conduct original research exploring the immunological basis of hypothalamic maturation
- Strong abilities to conduct surgeries and behavioural studies in mice
- To identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection and analysis of data
- To draft publications and prepare them for submission to refereed journals
- To lead on and contribute to writing bids for research grants
We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.
About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:
Essential Criteria:
- Hold a PhD in neuroscience, behavioural sciences, sleep, or related disciplines.
- Demonstrable experience through high-impact scientific outputs as first and/or corresponding author.
- Extensive and up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge in neuroscience, electrophysiology, behaviour, sleep, in vivo genetic manipulations, and related skills.
- Proven ability to lead project and teams as demonstrated by publications as first-authors and/or demonstrable deliverables within an industry setting.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with colleagues at all levels.
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience with patent applications.
- Experience working in industrial R&D.
- Demonstrable track-record of high impact outputs as first author.
We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.
Our benefits include:
- Generous employer contribution pension
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
- Ride to work and EV car scheme available
For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.
We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.
Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Name: Dr. Juan F. Quintana
Email Address: juan.quintana@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical and job portal support
Jobtrain Client Support Hub
£37,694 (Grade 6)
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Postdoctoral Research Associate in Manchester employer: Independent
The Blavatnik School of Government offers a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative and dynamic environment in the heart of Oxford, where your contributions directly impact the quality of public leadership worldwide. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, the School provides a range of benefits and fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional development, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about public service and education.
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