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 15 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: n.dawson1@lancaster.ac.uk.

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

Closing Date: 21 Jul 2026

Department: Research

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

This role involves supporting studies in DNA replication stress response signalling, including:

• Generate and characterise engineered cell lines with inducible gene expression, gene depletion, and targeted genetic modifications, including domain deletions and site-directed mutations.
• Investigate cellular responses to DNA damage and replication stress using a range of molecular and cell biology approaches, including immunofluorescence microscopy, immunoblotting, DNA fibre assays, and micronucleus analysis.
• Examine protein localisation and chromatin-associated dynamics at sites of DNA replication and genome maintenance using advanced imaging and proteomic techniques.
• Characterise protein–protein and protein–nucleic acid interactions through biochemical and proximity-based assays, including immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays.
• Identify and analyse interaction networks and candidate substrates of a target pathway regulator using mass spectrometry-based proteomics.

Role responsibilities

As part of a friendly and collaborative team, you will be responsible for:

• Preparing and conducting experiments including engineered cell line generation, DNA damage response analysis, protein interaction and localisation studies, and proteomic identification of molecular interaction networks.
• Data acquisition and management, and contributing to analysis and reporting
• Supporting day-to-day lab operations, including equipment maintenance, ordering supplies, record keeping, and assisting with regulatory documentation
• Providing technical training to students and other lab members

About you

We are keen to hear from candidates who have:

• Bachelor’s degree in biomedicine, biomedical sciences, biochemistry or a related discipline.
• Experience of supporting biomedical related studies, including responsibilities such as mammalian cell culture, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, DNA cloning, molecular biology techniques and data analysis using GraphPad-Prism and ImageJ.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, including inventory management, maintaining accurate records, and report writing.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and technical troubleshooting, with the confidence to take initiative and work independently
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a collaborative, team-oriented approach

Experience with the DNA fibre assay is desirable but not essential. Training will be provided for the right candidate. Most importantly, you will bring motivation, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for contributing to meaningful interdisciplinary research.

Why work with us

You will join the Genome Stability and DNA Repair Lab, led by Dr. Panagiotis Kotsantis in the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, and work in an interdisciplinary team with collaborators from BLS and Erasmus University (Netherlands). This role therefore offers a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience across diverse research methods and environments.

The Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, part of the Faculty of Health and Medicine, is a vibrant and interdisciplinary research environment focused on human health and disease. It offers state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative, inclusive culture that supports both independent and team-based research, while promoting work-life balance and individual support. Find out about more about our employee benefits and life at Lancaster on our website: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/jobs

The Faculty 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 Panagiotis Kotsantis at: p.kotsantis@lancaster.ac.uk

Closing Date: 09 Aug 2026

Department: Research

Salary: £26,707 to £30,378 (Full time, indefinite with end date)