Postdoctoral Research Scientist in dopamine transmission

The Cragg lab are collaborating with other groups at Oxford (Wade-Martins and Magill), UCL (Kittler) and Ulm (Liss) on a Wellcome Trust-funded research project to explore the physiological roles of Ca2+ in regulating dopamine transmission to gain insights into the roles of Ca2+ in Parkinson’s disease.

This project will exploit state-of-the-art tools to understand the roles of Ca2+ influx, storage and signalling within dopamine axons in health and disease. Our recently published data suggests that the roles of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels are dynamically regulated across striatal territories in a manner that correlates with risk factors of Parkinson’s (Brimblecombe et al 2023, PMID: 37941514).

In this project, we will advance understanding of the downstream coupling of Ca2+ to mitochondrial function to better understand the selective vulnerability of a subset of DA neurons in Parkinson’s, and to inform druggable targets that could offer neuroprotective potential. We are now seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Scientist with a strong interest in Ca2+ biology and axon function to join us as part of this exciting collaboration.

You will have expertise in electrophysiological and/or electrochemical and/or fluorescent sensor imaging techniques and the investigation of neural circuits in the mammalian central nervous system. Applicants must hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in a relevant area of neurobiological research.

The fixed term post is available from 01/09/2024. The post will be based in The Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT

Informal enquiries may be directed to the DPAG HR Team – hr@dpag.ox.ac.uk or to Professor Stephanie Cragg –stephanie.cragg@dpag.ox.ac.uk.

Applications must be made formally through the application portal found at the link here and by the closing date of July 1st (midday British Summer Time).

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. – DPAG Statement of Inclusion