Postdoctoral Research Associate Part-time NEW

Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Department of Paediatrics at the University of Oxford is looking for a motivated and highly organised Postdoctoral Researcher to help shape a new and ambitious research programme focused on developing innovative genetic therapies for rare genetic diseases.

You will join a newly established, translational and multidisciplinary research programme led by Dr. Marlen Lauffer, and become a core member of the team at the Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction, scientific culture, and long-term vision of a new research programme.

The programme has three complementary research aims: 1) Expanding the genetic therapy toolbox by developing novel therapeutic strategies for rare genetic disorders, 2) Developing computational tools to accelerate target identification and prioritisation for genetic therapy development, and 3) Standardising therapeutic actionability assessments and translating them into practical resources for clinicians and patients, including frameworks, guidelines, and reports that support decision-making around genetic therapies.

You will work in a highly collaborative environment and have the opportunity to engage with leading national and international initiatives in the field of rare disease therapeutics, including the Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) in Therapeutic Genomics and the N=1 Collaborative. Being part of these collaborations will offer excellent opportunities for scientific exchange, visibility, and professional development within this rapidly evolving field.

You will be leading an independent research project aimed at expanding the possibilities of mRNA modulation through novel exon skipping strategies using antisense oligonucleotides to target previously non-amenable disease-causing genetic variants.

This position is ideal for a Postdoctoral Researcher who enjoys translational research and is keen to contribute to building a new research team in rare disease therapeutics.

You will be working in a growing department within the Medical Sciences Division. The Department of Paediatrics is a world leader in child health research and hosts internationally renowned research programmes in drug development, gastroenterology, haematology, HIV, immunology, neuroimaging, neuromuscular diseases and vaccinology.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for 18 months or until 15 February 2028, whichever is sooner, with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.

About the department

The Department of Paediatrics is committed to equality and valuing diversity. The Department of Paediatrics has been honoured with the Athena Swan Gold award, a national gender equality charter, recognising the Department's innovative policies and practices. We are committed to the professional development of our staff by providing up to ten paid days annually for skill enhancement and allowing applications for additional training funding. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking department.

We welcome new staff with ideas who are willing to shape the future of the department that thinks about its staff and wellbeing. In addition to the University of Oxford wellbeing resources, the Department of Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp sessions as well as a choir. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees. These activities are designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.

About you

You hold a PhD/DPhil, or near to completion, in the broader field of biomedical sciences, if possible supplemented by relevant experience in Neuroscience/Genetics, with proven and demonstrable experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology. You will have highly effective verbal and written communication skills with all level of staff and an ability to operate effectively in a demanding and interdisciplinary research environment.

Application process

You will be required to upload a full academic CV including a publication list and a Supporting Statement, as part of your online application. Your application will not be processed if you do not include both documents.

The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description.

To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Marlen Lauffer, team lead and IDRM Transition Fellow, using the contact details below.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on Friday 31 July 2026 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.