Senior Research Associate

Senior Lecturer in Neuroscience at Lancaster University

Senior Research Associate
Biomedical & Life Sciences
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £39,906 to £48,882 Full-Time/Indefinite with End Date
Closing Date: Sunday 18 January 2026
Interview Date: Thursday 29 January 2026
Reference: 0989-25
Project: 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). 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 the 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.

Feel free to contact Dr Neil Dawson at  for informal enquiries.

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups and are happy to consider flexible working requests. The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues. We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability, or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity.