Research Associate in Systems Neuroscience

University of Bristol; Bristol; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution is seeking a post-doctoral Research Associate to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying chronic pain. Candidates should have a passion for neuroscience, experience in stereotaxic techniques, and strong data analysis skills. The role involves planning and conducting experiments, data preparation for publication, and integration with a research team. This is a full-time fixed-term position until 30/06/2026, with a competitive salary range.

Qualifications

• Experience with in vivo studies in awake behaving rodents.
• Understanding of chemogenetic manipulations of neural circuits.
• Ability to integrate research with a wider team.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct experiments related to neural mechanisms in pain.
• Undertake data analysis and prepare results for publication.

Skills

Behavioural studies

In vivo stereotaxic techniques

Data analysis

Research integrity

Organisational skills

Job description

The role

We are seeking to appoint a post-doctoral Research Associate to support a research programme funded by the Medical Research Council that investigates neural mechanisms underlying susceptibility to chronic pain. The research programme integrates chemogenetic manipulation of neural circuits with studies of fear and anxiety related behaviour within the context of chronic pain. This specific role will focus on the role of the midbrain PAG and the cerebellum in emotional control.

What will you be doing?

You will require previous experience in behavioural studies and in vivo stereotaxic techniques in rodents. You will be involved in the planning of the experiments, working with other members of the research team. You will undertake in vivo studies in awake behaving animals using chemogenetic manipulations of neural circuits to enable us to better understand the mechanisms that underlie emotional control. You will also be expected to undertake the data analysis and prepare results for publication, including drafting manuscripts.

You should apply if

You have a passion for neuroscience research and an interest in the mechanisms underlying fear and anxiety related behaviour within the context of chronic pain. You should have previous experience using stereotaxic surgical procedures in combination with emotional-related behavioural methods and advanced neuroscientific interrogation of the underlying neural circuits. You should be able to work independently but also integrate your research with a wider team of researchers and collaborators. Good organisational skills and motivation are essential. Excellent record keeping and being able to demonstrate your ability to work within regulatory frameworks for animal research and schedule 1 drugs are important attributes. The lab is also committed to a positive research culture and research integrity.

Additional information

For informal queries about the role , please contact Richard Apps, [e-mail]

Contract type: Fixed Term until 30/06/2026

Work pattern: Full time, 35 hours per week

Grade: I

Salary: £39,906 - £44,746 per annum

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Tuesday 26th August2025

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched ourstrategyto 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in aninclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential.We wantto attract, develop, and retain individualswith different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

£39,906 to £44,746. Grade: I