At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop advanced humanised pain models and conduct cutting-edge research.
- Company: Be part of a leading research group at NDCN with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment, access to advanced technology, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in neuroscience and contribute to groundbreaking research on pain mechanisms.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience with neuronal culture and electrophysiology.
- Other info: Engage with a multidisciplinary team and guide less experienced researchers.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Reporting to Profs Annina Schmid and David Bennett, the post holder is a member of the Neural Injury Group and the Neuromusculoskeletal Health and Science Lab with responsibility for contributing to a multi-lab MRC-funded research project aiming to develop advanced humanised pain models. This role is part of a multi-disciplinary team including expertise in cell culturing, electrophysiology, and bioinformatics.
The role will be responsible for developing and characterising human dorsal root ganglia cultures to benchmark the newly developed iPSC derived organoid model systems. This will include processing of human DRG and nerve roots with subsequent cellular and molecular analyses looking at alterations in injured vs nonâinjured neural tissues using physiological, molecular and anatomical outcomes. The postâholder will also optimise human DRG cultures and perform electrophysiological and functional characterisation.
In parallel, the post holder will use the newly developed human induced pluripotent stemâcell derived sensory neurons pain models to characterise their validity as well as inâvitro excitability including after inducing experimental nerve injury and pharmacological interventions, and relate these to the individual's clinical phenotypes (already available). The post holder provides guidance to less experienced members of the research group, including postdocs, research assistants, technicians, and PhD and project students.
The research activities will take place in the state of the art facilities provided by NDCN including access to wet lab space, cell culture and advanced imaging. The Neural Injury Group consists of a multidisciplinary team with expertise ranging from molecular neurobiology to clinical phenotyping. The post is primarily based in NDCN, but there will be meetings and collaborative opportunities as this is a network grant including external collaborators.
Selection Criteria
- Essential Criteria
- Hold a relevant PhD/DPhil, together with relevant experience in the area of biological research/biomedical engineering
- Experience with neuronal culture techniques, preferably with human cells (e.g., human DRGs, human induced pluripotent stemâcell derived sensory neurons)
- Experience with electrophysiological recordings and imaging in sensory neurons (e.g., patch clamp, Multi Electrodes Arrays, calcium imaging, confocal imaging) in assessment of neuronal excitability and sensory transduction
- Experience of imaging of sensory neurons (such as confocal imaging to assess morphology and assessment of calcium flux)
- Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes
- Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities
- Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations
- Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings
- Experience with human DRG and/or human induced pluripotent stemâcell derived sensory neuron cultures
- Experience of working in the field of sensory physiology and pain
- Experience of using patientâderived iPSCs
- Experience in transfection/transduction of iPSC derived neurons
- Experience in assessment of gene expression
- Experience in assessing mechanosensory currents
- Experience of independently managing a discrete area of a research project
- Experience of actively collaborating in the development of research articles for publication
Postdoctoral Neuroscientist in Oxford employer: International Association for the Study of Pain
Contact Detail:
International Association for the Study of Pain Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Neuroscientist in Oxford
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the neuroscience field, attend relevant conferences, and engage with researchers on social media. You never know who might have a lead on a postdoc position or can introduce you to someone who does.
â¨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your research projects, publications, and any presentations you've done. This will help you stand out during interviews and give potential employers a clear picture of what you bring to the table.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses to common questions. Focus on articulating your experience with neuronal culture techniques and electrophysiological recordings, as these are key for the role.
â¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Neuroscientist in Oxford
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in biological research and neuronal culture techniques. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so donât hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why youâre passionate about the research project and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our multi-disciplinary team. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure to demonstrate your ability to write clearly and effectively. Whether itâs in your CV or cover letter, we want to see that you can present your ideas well.
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows youâre keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at International Association for the Study of Pain
â¨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure youâre well-versed in the specifics of the MRC-funded project and the methodologies involved, especially around human dorsal root ganglia cultures and electrophysiology. Being able to discuss your previous research and how it relates to this role will show your genuine interest and expertise.
â¨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with neuronal culture techniques and electrophysiological recordings. Bring examples of your work, such as publications or presentations, that highlight your skills in imaging and assessing neuronal excitability. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and technical proficiency.
â¨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since this role involves working within a multi-disciplinary team, be ready to discuss your experience collaborating with others. Share specific examples of how youâve guided less experienced members or contributed to group projects, showcasing your communication skills and ability to work well in a team.
â¨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready for your interviewers about the research group's current projects or future directions. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your critical thinking skills and willingness to engage with the teamâs goals.