Postdoctoral Research Scientist

About us:

At the  

Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG)

we undertake discovery science where we reassemble physiological processes at the molecular, cellular, tissue and systems level of organisation. In so doing we provide a bridge to translational medicine, and interface between physical and life sciences. We are committed not only to innovative research and the highest standard of teaching, but also to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment.

Overview of the role:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join our Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration at the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and skilled cellular neurophysiologist with experience in the differentiation and analysis of human Parkinson’s and control iPSC lines into striatal, dopaminergic and cortical neurons in mono-culture and microfluidic tri-culture. 

In this role, you will be responsible for the differentiation of human Parkinson’s and control iPSC lines into striatal, dopaminergic and cortical neurons in mono-culture and microfluidic tri-culture, assays of neuronal electrophysiology and calcium signalling, analysis of Parkinson’s cellular phenotypes using high-content imaging in striatal, dopaminergic and cortical neurons, and in molecular cell biology and RNA-Seq single cell gene expression analysis. This post is available for 7 months from December 2026.  

Key responsibilities:

•       Differentiation of human iPSC lines into striatal, dopaminergic and cortical neurons in mono-culture and microfluidic tri-culture

•       Assays of neuronal electrophysiology and calcium signalling

•       Analysis of Parkinson’s cellular phenotypes using high-content imaging in striatal, dopaminergic and cortical neurons

•       Molecular cell biology and RNA-Seq single cell gene expression analysis 

•       Contributing to research development and publications 

•       Contribute ideas for new research projects and develop ideas for generating research income

•       Manage own academic research and administrative activities involving small scale project management

•       Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques

•       Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and present papers and posters

•       Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate

Selection criteria:

•       Hold or be near to completion of PhD or DPhil degree in neuroscience or cell/molecular biology, or equivalent.

•       Hands-on expertise in the differentiation of human iPSC lines into striatal, dopaminergic and cortical neurons in mono-culture and microfluidic tri-culture 

•       Hands-on expertise in assays of neuronal electrophysiology and calcium signalling  

•       Hands-on expertise in analysis of Parkinson’s cellular phenotypes using high-content imaging in striatal, dopaminergic and cortical neurons 

•       Hands-on expertise in molecular cell biology and RNA-Seq single cell gene expression analysis 

•       Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities

•       Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations

•       Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation

•       Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings

•       Experience of creating collaborative and inclusive environments with people from different backgrounds.

What we offer:

Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:

•         An excellent contributory pension scheme

•         38 days annual leave

•         A comprehensive range of childcare services

•         Family leave schemes

•         Cycle and electric car loan schemes

•         Employee Assistance Programme

•         Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

•         Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

How to apply:

Please provide a supporting statement outlining how you meet the selection criteria along with your CV, and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 25th August.

Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 31st August, and will be either face to face or held on Microsoft Teams.

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

Follow us:  

DPAG’s Statement of Inclusion:

We, as a Department and Community, will be considerate and welcoming of all people, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socio-economic background. We acknowledge societal inequalities and how these impact us, and those around us, personally and professionally. Our policies, practices and

Respectful Behaviours Framework

  underpin this commitment.

DPAG and Sustainability:

We have signed up to The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) and Green Impact, actively implementing and encouraging eco-friendly practices that reduce waste, promote energy efficiency, and promote bio-diversity. See the job description for more detail.