University of Oxford

Research Assistant

Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, Tinsley Building, Mansfield Road, Oxford

Contract & job type: Fixed term for 12 months.

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 Dr Cecilia Velasco Dominguez at the Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour. The ideal candidate will have prior wet lab experience and a strong scientific curiosity for understanding how neural circuits control behaviour. The post holder is expected to be actively involved in characterizing sleep behaviour and cellular changes in sleep-control neurons. Daily tasks mainly include immunohistochemistry of whole fly brains, sleep behaviour (TriKinetics), optogenetic manipulation of behaviour (video tracking), generating fly lines, general fly stock maintenance, image analysis and providing guidance and support to research students when appropriate.

This post is available from early 2026.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage own research and administrative activities, within guidelines provided by senior colleagues.
• Determine the most appropriate methodologies to test hypotheses and identify suitable alternatives if technical problems arise.
• Select, follow, and adapt experimental protocols.
• Perform sleep behavioural assays.
• Perform tissue dissection of adult fly brains and immunohistochemistry.
• Collect imaging data using a confocal microscope.
• Maintain fly stocks.
• Produce new fly lines using molecular biology tools.
• Analyse data from optical and electron microscopy using ImageJ and IMOD, respectively.
• Analyse data and produce figures for presentation or publication.
• Contribute to wider project planning, including ideas for new research projects.
• Gather, analyse, and present scientific data from a variety of sources.
• Contribute to scientific reports and journal articles and the presentation of data/papers at conferences.
• Contribute to general laboratory management, including stock control of laboratory consumables.
• Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone.
• Contribute to discussions and share research findings with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups.
• Participate in professional development and attend courses for specialist technical development.

Selection criteria:

• Hold a first degree in biological sciences.
• Possess solid understanding of basic neuroscience principles.
• Possess sufficient understanding of basic genetics principles.
• Have prior experience of working in a wet laboratory.
• Working towards a biology-related doctorate or masters.
• Experience of following and adapting protocols and selecting appropriate experimental methodologies.
• Ability to manage own research and administrative activities independently.
• Excellent communications skills, including the ability to write text that can be published, present data at conferences, and represent the research group at meetings.
• Commitment to engaging with, and promoting awareness of, equality, diversity and inclusion and embedding these into your work.

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 1 December 2025.

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, Bluesky and Instagram to learn more about our work and culture. Informal enquiries about the role may be directed to Dr Cecilia Velasco Dominguez.

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.

DPAG and Sustainability

We have signed up to The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) and Green Impact, actively implementing and encouraging eco-friendly practices that reduce waste, promote energy efficiency, and promote bio-diversity. See the job description for more detail.