Postdoctoral Research Associate

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Dr Charlotte Lawrenson. This Medical Research Council funded post is available from 1st March 2026 for a period of 3 years. The successful applicant will use rodent models to investigate cerebellar related neural circuits that underlie emotional regulation in chronic pain.

Experience in techniques such as in vivo electrophysiological and/or chemogenetic manipulations in freely behaving animals is advantageous. The role holder will be expected to contribute towards planning and carrying out experimental work, undertake data analysis, prepare results for publication and communicate findings in workshops and conferences.

This appointment will be subject to advanced pre-employment screening (via Agenda Screening Services).

Flexible working requests will be considered.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods in systems neuroscience. Applicants must have a passion for neuroscience research and an interest in fear and anxiety related behaviours within the context of chronic pain. Candidates 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 are important attributes.

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

What we can offer you

• 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
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
• 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.

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.

Further information

For further information please contact Dr Charlotte Lawrenson, e-mail c.l.lawrenson2@exeter.ac.uk.

The closing date for completed applications is Wednesday 3rd December at midnight.

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