Research Assistant

**Contract & job type: Fixed-term, Full-time until 30 June 2028.**



**About us:**





At the Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG) we undertake
discovery science where we reassemble physiological processes at the
molecular, cellular, tissue and systems level of organisation. In so doing we
provide a bridge to translational medicine, and interface between physical and
life sciences. We are committed not only to innovative research and the
highest standard of teaching, but also to creating an inclusive and supportive
working environment.





**Overview of the role:**



We are seeking a Research Assistant to join the research group of Professor
Stephanie Cragg on a discovery project in the field of striatal neurobiology.
The ideal candidate will have a first University degree in a neuroscience-
related subject and some relevant laboratory experience, and enthusiasm for
conducting research and managing their own activities. In this role, you will
be responsible for assisting with general laboratory organization, assisting
with practical experimental work and regulated procedures under a Home Office
Personal Licence, conducting immunocytochemistry and microscopy on brain
tissue, and managing datasets and protocols. This post is available until 30
June 2028.





**Key responsibilities:**



• General laboratory tasks such as stocking consumables, keeping inventories
of reagents, organising servicing of equipment, and keeping laboratory space
clean and organised.



• Obtain a UK Home Office Personal Licence (PIL A, B & C) to conduct or assist
with intracranial surgery in animal models.



• Assist with obtaining research data, such as immunocytochemistry and
microscopy in brain tissue, molecular or chemical analyses of brain tissue,
real-time detection of neuromodulators in brain tissue.



• Contribute to the management for genotyping of transgenic animal model
colonies, liaising with the biomedical services team and other colony managers
in the team.





**Selection criteria:**



• Hold a first University degree in a neuroscience-related subject



• Relevant laboratory experience



• Sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established
research programmes



• Ability to manage own research and administrative activities



• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write text that can
be published, present data at conferences, and represent the research group at
meetings



• Experience of following and adapting protocols and selecting appropriate
experimental methodologies



• Commitment to engaging with, and promoting awareness of, equality, diversity
and inclusion and embedding these into your work



• Experience with working with animal models





**What we offer:**



Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family friendly and
financial benefits including:



• An excellent contributory pension scheme



• 38 days annual leave



• A comprehensive range of childcare services



• Family leave schemes



• Cycle and electric car loan schemes



• Employee Assistance Programme



• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs



• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans





**How to apply:**



Please provide a supporting statement outlining how you meet the selection
criteria along with your CV, and the details of two referees as part of your
online application.



The closing date for applications is 12 noon on May 2nd.



Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing May 19, and
will be face to face or on Microsoft Teams.



Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic
candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford.





**Follow us:**



Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, X and Instagram to learn more about our
work and culture. Informal enquiries about the role may be directed to the
DPAG HR Team: hr@dpag.ox.ac.uk





**DPAG ’s Statement of Inclusion:**



We, as a Department and Community, will be considerate and welcoming of all
people, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil
partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, and socio-economic background. We acknowledge
societal inequalities and how these impact us, and those around us, personally
and professionally. Our policies, practices and Respectful Behaviours
Framework underpin this commitment.