Senior Research Associate reference: 0989-25

Post Doctoral Research Associate:

 Modalities for Understanding, Recording and Integrating Data Across Early life (MURIDAE) to elucidate the neurodevelopmental impact of schizophrenia risk genes

 We are looking for a highly motivated and creative post-doctoral research associate (PDRA) to join the research teams of Dr Neil Dawson (Lancaster University) and Dr Steven Clapcote (University of Leeds) as part of the collaborative MURIDAE Cluster of the MRC National Mouse Genetics Network (NMGN, https://nmgn.mrc.ukri.org/clusters/muridae/). The MURIDAE project aims to elucidate how recently identified schizophrenia risk gene variants perturb brain development to impact on brain function, behaviour and cognition. You will work in the Dawson laboratory in the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences at Lancaster University.

This role involves the analysis of brain function at the brain circuit and behavioural level, across development, using genetically modified mice with risk gene mutations for schizophrenia. As this post is within the larger MURIDAE Cluster and NMGN, collaboration is a vital part of the role. This will bring opportunities for training and teamwork with colleagues across different UK institutions.

You should hold a PhD in a relevant field, having a background in preclinical translational neuroscience, brain imaging approaches and behavioural techniques. You should have experience of working with mouse models and preferably hold a Home Office personal licence. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with excellent communication skills, the capacity to work collaboratively in a team, and ability to solve problems independently and creatively. Coding and image analysis skills would also be an advantage. While experience in these techniques is an advantage, training can be provided within our groups if needed. Most important is that you should have a strong interest in applying these methods to investigate the development of brain function in novel mouse models of genetic risk for schizophrenia. In our labs, we strive for cutting-edge research in a collegiate and supportive environment.

This is a fixed term position at 1.0 FTE for a period of 18 months.

The Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, within the Faculty of Health and Medicine at Lancaster University, is a rapidly growing Division whose research effort is directed towards understanding fundamental mechanisms that underpin disease. It provides a friendly research environment that strongly supports the individual needs of each employee and which actively promotes a healthy work-life balance. The Faculty is committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies and has held a Silver Athena SWAN award since 2014 in recognition of its good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research.

Informal enquiries are welcome. Please contact Dr Neil Dawson: [email protected].

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups and are happy to consider flexible working requests.

Closing Date: 18 Jan 2026

Department: Research

Salary: £39,906 to £48,882 Full-Time/Indefinite with End Date