Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The above full-time post is available from 16/02/2026 on a fixed-term basis.

The post

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the BBSRC-funded research project “New Insights in the synchronisation dynamics of the KNDy neural network shaping reproduction”. The project aims to determine how hypothalamic neuronal populations entrain and synchronises to generate the rhythmicity underlying normal reproduction, and to investigate how this process is altered under stress-related conditions. The project seeks to integrate in-silico modelling of biophysical mechanisms, cutting-edge in-vivo GRadient-INdex (GRIN) lens mini-endoscopy and electrophysiology, and state-of-the-art in-vivo CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to understand synchronisation dynamics in hypothalamic Kisspeptin neurones co-expressing Neurokinin-B (NKB) and Dynorphin, also known as KNDy neurones. The project is in partnership with the O’Byrne Lab at King’s College London.

This role involves computational modelling and experimental data analysis, integrating mathematical models of the KNDy neural network with analysis of in-vivo electrophysiology and GRIN-lens miniscopic calcium imaging datasets to gain mechanistic insight into system dynamics.

About you

Applicants should hold a relevant PhD in mathematics or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will have an extensive knowledge of dynamical systems, computational neuroscience and data science. In addition, we expect the candidate to have:

• Experience of interdisciplinary collaboration
• A collaborative mindset, clear communication skills, and enthusiasm for scientific discovery.
• The ability to work independently and familiarity with recent relevant scientific literature.
• Excellent programming skills in at least one of the following (Python, MATLAB, Julia).

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.
• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024).  We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.  More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. 

Further information

For further information please contact Margaritis Voliotis, m.voliotis@exeter.ac.uk; or

Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova, K.Tsaneva-Atanasova@exeter.ac.uk

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