Research Assistant Part-time

Research Assistant

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 organization. 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 Research Assistant 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 undertake 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:

• Undertake the differentiation of iPSC-dopamine neurons from Parkinson's patients and controls and apply cellular and molecular techniques to probe endolysosomal and mitochondrial biology
• Undertake analysis of the phenotypic effect of pharmacological inhibitors on cell biology phenotypes in cellular models of Parkinson's
• Undertake metabolic and lipidomic profiling in iPSC-dopamine neurons to look at relevant biological pathways
• Contribute to wider project planning, including ideas for new research projects
• Determine the most appropriate methodologies to test hypotheses, and identify suitable alternatives if technical problems arise
• Select, follow, and adapt experimental protocols
• Gather, analyze, and present scientific data from a variety of sources
• Contribute to scientific reports and journal articles and the presentation of data/papers at conferences
• Manage own research and administrative activities, within guidelines provided by senior colleagues
• Collaborate effectively with other team members to achieve collective goals

Selection Criteria:

• Hold or be near to completion of BSc or MSc degree in neuroscience or cell/molecular biology 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.
• Have knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's.
• Be highly motivated, with the capacity to think creatively and work across teams.
• 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.