Circadian Neuroscientist

We are seeking a neuroscientist with a strong background in circadian and visual biology to work as part of the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute (SCNi) within the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN). The research interests of the SCNi are to: (A) Understand the neural mechanisms that generate and regulate sleep and circadian biology (B) Define the mechanistic links between sleep/circadian rhythm disruption and disorders of the central nervous system and © Apply this knowledge for the development of evidence-based clinical interventions.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a specific research project entitled ‘Consequences of Artificial Light Exposure for Healthy Physiology’ which will be based within the SCNi. They will work closely with Prof Stuart Peirson (https://www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/team/stuart-peirson). This project asks how the modern lighting environment affects healthy physiology and behaviour. The rise of artificial lighting combined with light emitting devices means that we are increasingly exposed to dim light on an evening (DLE). Our recent data shows that this disrupts our circadian rhythms – resulting in a misalignment between our internal circadian clock and the outside world. This affects organs and tissues throughout our body, with potential consequences for our long-term health and wellbeing. The primary aims of this proposal are to determine the extent to which long-term evening light affects metabolic, cardiovascular and cognitive health, and to determine the mechanisms underlying these effects. We hypothesise that the effects of dim light in the evening will create a misalignment between circadian clocks throughout the body, which acts as a long-term stressor.

Laboratory work will involve the use of circadian techniques including activity monitoring and sleep assessment, the measurement and manipulation of light, and behavioural testing. A Home Office Licence (A-C) or equivalent experience is essential and the candidate must have, or be close to completing a Phd/DPhil. They must have experience in the development of novel home-cage activity monitoring, behavioural test apparatus, and data analysis for rodents. The post holder will be expected to contribute to the training and mentoring of some junior staff. 

Please see the below ‘Job Description’ for further details on the responsibilities and selection criteria, as well as further information about the university and how to apply.

The post is full time for a fixed term of 6 months in the first instance.

Only applications recieved before 12.00 midday on Wednesday 4th September will be considered.

Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter. 

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