Postdoctoral Research Scientist Full-time

Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QU

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 Post-Doctoral neuronal cell biologist to join the Wade-Martins Laboratory at the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Discovery within DPAG. The ideal candidate will be a neuronal cell biologist with experience working in neuronal models of neurodegeneration, ideally in human stem cell-derived models, and a good knowledge of Parkinson's disease. This is an exciting collaborative opportunity to contribute to the development of a novel therapeutic approach for Parkinson's, a major age-related neurodegenerative disease, at the interface between academic research and target and drug discovery using state-of-the-art human stem cell-derived neuronal models.

In this role, you will be responsible for differentiation of iPSC-dopamine neurons from Parkinson's patients and controls and applying cellular and molecular techniques to probe endolysosomal and mitochondrial biology, including metabolic and lipidomic profiling, to validate a novel therapeutic target. This post is available immediately for two years.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on the differentiation of iPSC-dopamine neurons from Parkinson's patients and controls and apply cellular and molecular techniques to probe endolysosomal and mitochondrial biology
• Lead on analysis of the phenotypic effect of pharmacological inhibitors on cell biology phenotypes in cellular models of Parkinson's
• Lead on metabolic and lipidomic profiling in iPSC-dopamine neurons to look at relevant biological pathways
• Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines
• Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols
• Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate
• Contribute ideas for new research projects
• Develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals to senior researchers
• Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters
• Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques
• Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone

Selection Criteria:

• Hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in molecular and cellular neuroscience, or equivalent
• Knowledge of the cell and molecular biology mechanisms of Parkinson's disease, or related neurodegenerative condition
• Experience in neuronal cell culture, preferably in human pluripotent stem cells
• Experience in setting up cellular assays, and techniques in cell and molecular neuroscience
• 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 18th September 2026. Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 28th September 2026 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.