Research Assistant/Lab Manager

Location: Department of Experimental Psychology, Life and Mind Building

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Department of Experimental Psychology is located on South Parks Road at the new, purpose-built Life and Mind Building a multidisciplinary research and teaching facility that opened in the summer of 2025. 

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Research Assistant to provide skilled support for lab members working on a Wellcome Trust-funded project to investigate brain mechanisms of flexible behaviour.

Reporting to Dr Thomas Akam, the post-holder will carry out research supporting the laboratory’s interests. The role will involve a range of activities including general lab management and administration, provide skilled technical support for lab members, and carry out data collection, processing and analysis from mice performing spatial navigation tasks using in vivo physiology methods (electrophysiology, photometry, optogenetics).

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Thomas Akam (thomas.akam@psy.ox.ac.uk).

The successful candidate will have a MSc or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline, and hold a Personal Licence to conduct animal-based scientific work (minimum PIL A,B). They will also have considerable experience in laboratory-based research with excellent communication, organisational and time management skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

The post is fixed-term and funded by the Wellcome Trust for 2 years.

As an employer, we genuinely care about your happiness and wellbeing at work and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a supporting statement detailing how you meet the selection criteria, your CV, and the contact details of two referees as part of your application. 

For further details please refer to the “How to apply” section of the job description.Click the 'Apply' button above.

The closing date for applications is midday on 9^th July 2026 and only applications received by this date will be considered.

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity, and to being an inclusive institution where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

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