At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to explore brain function and behaviour using innovative mouse models.
- Company: Lancaster University, a leader in biomedical research with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working policies, training opportunities, and a focus on work-life balance.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on understanding schizophrenia through cutting-edge research.
- Qualifications: PhD in neuroscience or related field; experience with mouse models preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are looking for a highly motivated and creative post-doctoral research associate (PDRA) to join the research teams of Dr Neil Dawson (Lancaster University) and Dr Steven Clapcote (University of Leeds) as part of the collaborative MURIDAE Cluster of the MRC National Mouse Genetics Network (NMGN). The MURIDAE project aims to elucidate how recently identified schizophrenia risk gene variants perturb brain development to impact on brain function, behaviour and cognition.
You will work in the Dawson laboratory in the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences at Lancaster University. This role involves the analysis of brain function at the brain circuit and behavioural level, across development, using genetically modified mice with risk gene mutations for schizophrenia. As this post is within the larger MURIDAE Cluster and NMGN, collaboration is a vital part of the role. This will bring opportunities for training and teamwork with colleagues across different UK institutions.
You should hold a PhD in a relevant field, having a background in preclinical translational neuroscience, brain imaging approaches and behavioural techniques. You should have experience of working with mouse models and preferably hold a Home Office personal licence. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with excellent communication skills, the capacity to work collaboratively in a team, and ability to solve problems independently and creatively. Coding and image analysis skills would also be an advantage. While experience in these techniques is an advantage, training can be provided within our groups if needed. Most important is that you should have a strong interest in applying these methods to investigate the development of brain function in novel mouse models of genetic risk for schizophrenia.
In our labs, we strive for cutting‑edge research in a collegiate and supportive environment. This is a fixed term position at 1.0 FTE for a period of 15 months. The Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, within the Faculty of Health and Medicine at Lancaster University, is a rapidly growing Division whose research effort is directed towards understanding fundamental mechanisms that underpin disease. It provides a friendly research environment that strongly supports the individual needs of each employee and which actively promotes a healthy work‑life balance. The Faculty is committed to family‑friendly and flexible working policies and has held a Silver Athena SWAN award since 2014 in recognition of its good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research.
Senior Research Associate - 0989-25-R in Lancaster employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises student wellbeing and success. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and opportunities to lead impactful initiatives in widening participation. Located in the vibrant city of Lancaster, staff enjoy a supportive culture that values diversity and fosters collaboration across disciplines.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate - 0989-25-R in Lancaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
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