At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct independent research on headache disorders and supervise junior staff.
- Company: Join a leading neuroscience group at King's College London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fixed-term contract, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in headache research and contribute to innovative therapeutic developments.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field, experience in preclinical models, and in-vivo surgical skills.
- Other info: Dynamic lab environment with a focus on collaboration and health safety.
The predicted salary is between 45031 - 47379 £ per year.
Offer Description
About us:
The post will be based in the Headache Group under the supervision of Dr Philip R Holland, a preclinical research group with expertise in primary headache disorders, electrophysiology, disease modelling, behaviour, chemogenetics and in vivo neural imaging technologies.
The Headache Group is part of the WSPaRC, with broad expertise in sensory biology (pain, vision & hearing) and regeneration (spinal and head injury). Based on the Guy’s campus, we are just a short walk from London Bridge station.
About the role:
We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Associate with an interest in primary headache disorders and related co-morbid conditions to help uncover novel disease mechanisms that can lead to the development of novel therapeutic targets. The individual will report to the PI of the headache Group, Dr Philip R Holland and will be responsible for conducting their own independent research projects, the supervision of more junior staff and students, while contributing to the running of the laboratory to include health and safety requirements.
This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and the successful candidate will be offered a fixed term contract for 2 years.
About you:
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- PhD qualified in relevant subject area (or pending results)
- Experience in preclinical models of migraine or related preclinical disease modelling
- Experience in rodent sensory testing
- Home Office Personal Licence
- In-vivo surgical experience and physiological monitoring
- Ability to work collaboratively between groups
- Knowledge and experience in headache research
- Experience in biochemistry
Downloading a copy of our Job Description
Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.
Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.
Further information:
We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.
To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.
Interviews are provisionally due to be held in October 2025.
Grade and Salary: £45,031 to £47,379 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance
Job ID: 126285
Close Date: 09-Oct-2025
Contact Person: Dr Philip R Holland
Contact Details: Philip.holland@kcl.ac.uk
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Postdoctoral Research Associate, Academic Neuroscience employer: KINGS COLLEGE LONDON
Contact Detail:
KINGS COLLEGE LONDON Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate, Academic Neuroscience
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the neuroscience field! Attend conferences, seminars, or even local meet-ups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your research experiences and how they relate to headache disorders. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Familiarise yourself with the Headache Group's work and think about how your skills can contribute. We recommend practising common interview questions and preparing some insightful questions of your own.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate, Academic Neuroscience
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in preclinical models and headache research. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Clearly outline how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your expertise and passion for the field.
Showcase Collaborative Skills: Since this role involves working collaboratively, make sure to mention any previous experiences where you’ve successfully worked in a team. We love seeing candidates who can play well with others and contribute to a positive lab environment!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at KINGS COLLEGE LONDON
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and how it relates to primary headache disorders. Be prepared to discuss your previous work, especially any preclinical models or techniques you've used, as this will show your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Team
Take some time to learn about Dr Philip R Holland and the Headache Group's current projects. Understanding their work will help you ask insightful questions during the interview and demonstrate your genuine interest in joining their team.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about specific techniques related to in-vivo surgical experience and physiological monitoring. Brush up on these topics and be ready to explain your hands-on experience clearly and confidently.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working collaboratively, think of examples from your past where you successfully worked in a team. Highlight your ability to supervise junior staff and contribute to a positive lab environment, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.