Postdoctoral Researcher in Neuroendocrinology at The University of Edinburgh

Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences,  

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed Term: Contract end date of 31/10/2025

We are looking for a postdoc to carry out translational research into the role of hormone-sensitive brain networks in food choice behaviours. This three-year, Diabetes UK-funded project is supervised by Dr John Menzies (Centre for Discovery Brain Science) and uses a model of Type 2 diabetes to explore how insulin and oxytocin interact to modulate food preferences. Start date: ASAP.

This post is advertised as full-time (35 hours per week), however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.  

The Opportunity:

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position with Dr John Menzies, funded by Diabetes UK. The postholder will use a rat model of diet-induced insulin resistance to study central oxytocin signalling and its effects on food choice-related behaviours. We have previously shown that consumption of high-sugar food activates central oxytocin neurones via an insulin-mediated process. In this project, we will explore the behavioural consequences of food-evoked oxytocin release on food choice, and ask whether these behaviours are dysregulated in insulin resistance. This is a pre-clinical research project, but the post-holder will have an opportunity to engage with people living with pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes.

The post-holder will measure and analyse eating-related behaviours and central and peripheral release of oxytocin and other relevant signals. The project will involve a chemogenetic approach to controlling oxytocin neurones and/or the brain networks targeted by oxytocin. The experimental approaches used are well-established in our lab, and the post-holder will be trained in these approaches as required. Our lab takes a positive animal welfare approach, and the post-holder must take a compassionate approach to their work with animals.

The post-holder will have the opportunity to display independence and responsibility – in both scientific and public/patient engagement work – that may contribute to career progression.

Your skills and attributes for success: 

• PhD (completed or submitted) in Neuroscience, Physiology or a related subject. 
• Experience in behavioural testing and analysis of rodent models. Experience in in vivo sampling and assaying hormones and other biological signals. Experience in surgical approaches; for example, viral injection.
• A compassionate approach to working with animals. 
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, orally and in writing.
• Experience of, or interest in, Patient and Public interactions with people living with diabetes