Research Assistant

Research Assistant – Neuronal cell biologist in restoring lysosomal function in Parkinson’s disease

Contract type: Fixed-term (24 months)

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 Research Assistant to join the Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics. The ideal candidate will be a motivated cell biologist with experience in stem cell culture, neuronal differentiation, and phenotypic assays. Strong skills in neurobiology, cell imaging, and molecular techniques are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively.

You will support a collaborative project between Oxford and Neumora (https://neumoratx.com), funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, to test novel therapeutics targeting lysosomal function in Parkinson’s disease. The role involves neuronal differentiation and phenotypic testing in iPSC-derived dopamine neurons, contributing to translational research at the interface of academia and drug discovery. This post is available for 24 months. 

Key responsibilities:

• Differentiating iPSC lines into dopamine neurons
• Performing cellular, molecular, and metabolomic assays
• Analysing and presenting data
• Contributing to reports and publications
• Collaborating across teams

Selection criteria:

• BSc/MSc in neuroscience or cell biology
• Experience in stem cell culture and cellular assays
• Knowledge of neurodegenerative disease
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

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 12 noon on Friday 5^th December.

Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 15^th December 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:

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Bluesky and Instagram to learn more about our work and culture. Informal enquiries about the role may be directed to the DPAG HR Team: hr@dpag.ox.ac.uk

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, & promote bio-diversity. See the job description for more detail.

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