Postdoctoral Research associate (neuroscience)

Manchester Source: WhatJobs

UoM Grade 6 £37,694

Job reference: BMH-

Salary: UoM Grade 6 £37,694

Faculty/Organisational Unit: Biology, Medicine Health

Location: Oxford Road

Employment type: Fixed Term

Division/Team: Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection, and Respiratory Medicine

Hours Per Week: Full time (1FTE)

Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 03/11/2026

Contract Duration: Fixed term for 18 months

School/Directorate: School of Biological Sciences

We are seeking an experienced/senior postdoctoral researcher in neuroscience to explore how the immune system shapes hypothalamic circuits involved in sleep-wake cycle regulations during development and in response to inflammation. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly ambitious, competitive, and motivated individual interested in developing an innovative research programme combining immunology and neuroscience.

The post holder will investigate the mechanisms involved in sculpting inhibitory and excitatory circuits in the hypothalamus, from early life through to adulthood. The successful candidate will join the Quintana Lab, based within the Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation and the Geoffrey Jefferson Centre for Brain Research, working within a dynamic, collaborative and inclusive research environment.

You will be responsible for:

To conduct original research exploring the immunological basis of hypothalamic maturation
Strong abilities to conduct surgeries and behavioural studies in mice
To identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection and analysis of data
To draft publications and prepare them for submission to refereed journals
To lead on and contribute to writing bids for research grants

About You

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

Essential Criteria

Hold a PhD in neuroscience, behavioural sciences, sleep, or related disciplines.
Demonstrable experience through high-impact scientific outputs as first and/or corresponding author.
Extensive and up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge in neuroscience, electrophysiology, behaviour, sleep, in vivo genetic manipulations, and related skills.
Proven ability to lead project and teams as demonstrated by publications as first-authors and/or demonstrable deliverables within an industry setting.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with colleagues at all levels.

Desirable Criteria

Experience with patent applications.
Experience working in industrial R&D.
Demonstrable track-record of high impact outputs as first author.

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

Generous employer contribution pension
29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

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