Post Doctoral Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed term)

University of Nottingham; Loughborough; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university is seeking a Post Doctoral Research Associate/Fellow in Loughborough to work on a BBSRC-funded project at the School of Biosciences. Candidates must have a PhD in neuroscience or related disciplines and experience in rodent testing and monitoring techniques. The position is full-time, fixed-term for 3 years, starting January 2026 or earlier. Informal enquiries can be made to Dr. Carl Stevenson.

Qualifications

• Motivated and self-driven candidates are sought for the position.
• Experience with multi-disciplinary projects is highly desirable.
• Independence and perseverance are essential.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the project.
• Work in Dr. Carl Stevenson’s lab at both campuses.
• Conduct research on anxiety-related behaviors and brain mechanisms.

Skills

Rodent behavioural testing

In vivo heart rate (ECG) monitoring

In vivo optogenetics

Effective communication

Teamwork

Education

PhD in preclinical neuroscience or cardiovascular physiology

Job description

Post Doctoral Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed term)

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 5 September 2025

Contract Length: 3 years

City: Loughborough

Country: United Kingdom

Institution: University of Nottingham

Department: School of Biosciences

Description:

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. To apply use the following link:

https://jobs.nottingham.ac.uk/Logon/?jobId=52207

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

Address: School of BiosciencesUniversity of NottinghamSutton Bonington CampusLoughboroughLE12 5RDUK

Location

Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK Post Doctoral Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed term)
Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK × + − Leaflet | Map data OpenStreetMap contributors