Postdoctoral Research Associate: Neurophysiologist

We are seeking a neuroscientist with a strong background in visual and/or
circadian biology to work as part of the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience
Institute (SCNi) within the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences
(NDCN). The research interests of the SCNi are to: (A) Understand the neural
mechanisms that generate and regulate sleep and circadian biology (B) Define
the mechanistic links between sleep/circadian rhythm disruption and disorders
of the central nervous system and © Apply this knowledge for the development
of evidence-based clinical interventions.





The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a specific research
project entitled ‘ ** _Investigating the multiple roles of cryptochromes in
animal magnetoreception_** ’ which will be based within the SCNi. They will
work closely with Prof Stuart Peirson ( https://www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/team/stuart-
peirson) and Mark Hankins ( https://www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/team/mark-hankins). This
project is part of a Wellcome Discovery Award, in collaboration with the
University of Leicester (Profs Ezio Rosato, Bambos Kyriacou), Manchester (Prof
Richard Baines) and the National Physics Laboratory (Dr Alex Jones).





Many species, including humans, are reported to be magnetosensitive. Indeed,
some animals navigate using the weak magnetic field (MF) of Earth. Others do
not, but there are accounts of MF effects and the concern that exposure to low
frequency MFs may affect health. Whether the same or different mechanisms may
be involved, is currently unknown.





One mechanism has acquired experimental prominence. Cryptochromes (CRYs), best
known for their role in circadian rhythmicity, may mediate magnetosensitivity
via a photochemical quantum reaction involving CRY-bound flavin adenine
dinucleotide (FAD) and a chain of tryptophan residues within CRY that generate
a radical pair (RP). Unexpectedly, we have demonstrated that the CRY
C-terminal (CRY-CT), without the canonical FAD binding site or tryptophan
chain, elicits behavioural and cellular responses to MFs in Drosophila
melanogaster. Our results do not necessarily contradict the RP model but urge
a fundamental revision of its canonical interpretation. We propose a
multidisciplinary programme of work examining each level of the sensory chain,
including detection, signal transduction and amplification, cellular and
behavioural responses. Our combined expertise includes quantum physics,
computational chemistry, protein biophysics, electrophysiology, molecular
genetics, and behaviour. We are thus uniquely positioned to address and move
towards solving this fascinating and fundamental biological question.





Laboratory work will involve the use of electrophysiological, transgenic and
behavioural techniques including multielectrode array electrophysiology,
activity monitoring and behavioural testing. Experience in the analysis of
complex datasets is essential. The candidate must have or be close to
completing a Phd/DPhil. A Home Office Licence (A-C) or equivalent experience
would be an advantage. The post holder will be expected to contribute to the
training and mentoring of some junior staff.





**The post is full time for a fixed term until 31st December 2028 in the first
instance.**





**Only applications received before 12.00 midday on Friday 28th March will be
considered.**





**Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter. **