Job ID: 123376

Postdoctoral Position – Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 30 August 2025

City: OXFORD

Country: United Kingdom

Institution: University of Oxford

Department: Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics

Description:

The Neurobehavior Lab (led by Mehran Ahmadlou) in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics at the University of Oxford, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join an exciting research program. The lab offers a vibrant, collaborative, and multidisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise, as well as numerous opportunities for career development.

The research will investigate the role of specific neurons and circuits across cortical and subcortical brain areas in processing and integrating internal states, external stimuli, experience, and competing motivations to shape and adapt behavioral strategies and decision-making in foraging and defensive behaviors.

The selected candidate will lead a project employing cutting-edge circuit neuroscience approaches to target, record, and manipulate genetically defined neuronal populations. The techniques include extracellular electrophysiology recording with high-density probes and miniaturized two-photon microscopy in freely moving mice, EEG/EMG/ECG, pupillometry, body temperature recording, fiber photometry, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and pharmacological manipulations, and advanced viral tracing and in-situ hybridization. The selected candidate will also be encouraged to develop and pursue their own research ideas, as long as they align with the broader objectives of the program.

We are looking for candidates with a strong drive to uncover how neurons and circuits function during behavior, and with extensive interest and experience in behavioral neuroscience. Applicants are expected to have a strong knowledge in computational neuroscience and modeling, as well as significant hands-on experience with electrophysiological recordings using Neuropixels probes.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application (including a motivation letter, CV, and contact information for three references) to Mehran Ahmadlou at: mehran@neurobehaviorlab.com.