Post-doctoral neuronal cell biologist: “Targeting mitochondrial biology in Parkinson’s disease”

Fixed term until 7th June 2023

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral neuronal cell biologist position to work on a collaborative research project between the Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre (OPDC) and the Oxford Drug Discovery Institute (ODDI) funded by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) to perform target and drug discovery for Parkinson’s disease (PD) in mitochondrial biology.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the interface between academic research and pharmaceutical target and drug discovery to contribute to the discovery of novel therapeutics for PD focused on mitochondrial biology. This project aims to better understand the molecular mechanisms around mitochondrial biology in PD and develop new therapies by working with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines and dopamine neurons generated from PD patients and in cell lines.

Duties include design and implementation of experiments; interpretation of data; imaging analysis; study of mitochondrial biology in iPSC-derived neurons and cell lines; preparation of data for publication; contribute ideas for new research projects and develop ideas for generating research income; manage own academic research involving small-scale project management and act as a source of information to other members of the group.

You will have excellent practical experience of working with neuronal cell cultures and good knowledge of cellular models of neurodegenerative disease. The ability to innovate, trouble-shoot technical problems, be meticulous in practical work and in record keeping is also essential. Applicants must hold, or be near completion of, a PhD/DPhil in a relevant area of research and have experience in cellular neuroscience, and molecular cell biology relevant to analysis of neuronal phenotypes.

The post is available from 1st October 2021 until 7th June 2023. The post will be based in the Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, South Parks Road, Oxford.

Informal enquiries may be directed Professor Richard Wade-Martins ([email protected]).

Closing date for applications is midday on 24th August 2021.

Interviews are likely to be held on the week beginning 30th August 2021. 

Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford.

We, as a Department and Community, will be considerate and welcoming of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. We acknowledge societal inequalities and how these impact us, and those around us, personally and professionally. – DPAG Statement of Inclusion