Postdoctoral Research Associate

UAG; Manchester; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous employer pension

29 days annual leave + bank holidays

Ride to work and EV car scheme

Job summary

The University of Manchester invites applications for 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.

The post holder will join the Quintana Lab, within the Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation and the Geoffrey Jefferson Centre for Brain Research, contributing to an innovative research programme combining

Qualifications

• Hold a PhD in neuroscience, behavioural sciences, sleep, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrable high-impact scientific outputs as first and/or corresponding author.
• Extensive knowledge in neuroscience, electrophysiology, sleep, and related skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research on immunological basis of hypothalamic maturation.
• Perform surgeries and behavioural studies in mice.
• Develop techniques and apparatus for data collection and analysis.
• Draft publications and prepare manuscripts for refereed journals.
• Lead on and contribute to writing bids for research grants.

Skills

Neuroscience

Immunology

Sleep physiology

Electrophysiology

In vivo genetic manipulations

Behavioural studies in mice

Education

PhD in neuroscience or related field

Tools

Mice surgery techniques

In vivo imaging/data collection

Job description

Job reference: BMH-032529

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

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

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

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.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Dr. Juan F. Quintana
Email Address: [e-mail]

General enquiries and administrative support

[e-mail]

Technical and job portal support

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£37,694 (Grade 6)