Post Doctoral Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed term)

University of Nottingham; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned university in London seeks a highly motivated researcher for a full-time position focusing on a project related to heart rate variability and anxiety behaviours. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field and experience with rodent testing and in vivo monitoring. Applications are welcome from diverse backgrounds, and the position offers a three-year fixed-term contract.

Qualifications

• PhD in preclinical neuroscience, cardiovascular physiology, or relevant discipline.
• Experience with rodent behavioural testing and ECG monitoring is desirable.
• Strong organisation, flexibility, and perseverance are essential.

Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for day-to-day running of the project.
• Work with in vivo heart rate monitoring and optogenetics.
• Conduct behavioural testing in rats.

Skills

Rodent behavioural testing

In vivo heart rate monitoring

Optogenetics

Effective communication

Teamwork

Education

PhD in preclinical neuroscience or cardiovascular physiology

Job description

Closing Date
Friday 05 September 2025

Reference
SCI197525

Applications from highly motivated and self-driven candidates are invited for the above position to work on the BBSRC-funded project 'Determining the brain basis of heart rate variability during extinction of learned fear and avoidance'. This multi-disciplinary project will combine in vivo heart rate monitoring and optogenetics with behavioural testing in rats to (1) characterise the relationship between different anxiety-related behaviours and arousal states, and (2) determine the brain circuit mechanisms involved.

Applicants should have (or should be about to receive) a PhD in preclinical neuroscience, cardiovascular physiology, or another relevant discipline. Experience with rodent behavioural testing, in vivo heart rate (ECG) monitoring, in vivo optogenetics, and/or other related techniques is highly desirable. Independence, perseverance, organisation, flexibility, effective communication, and teamwork are all essential.

The successful candidate will take full responsibility for all aspects of the day-to-day running of the project in Dr Carl Stevenson's lab, with the position split between the university's Sutton Bonington Campus and its facilities at Hillcrest.

This full-time position (36.25 hours) is available from January 2026 or as soon as possible after this (to be confirmed) and will be offered on a fixed-term contract for three years. Job share arrangements may be considered.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Carl Stevenson ([e-mail]). Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted. Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

The University of Nottingham is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.