Postdoctoral Researcher in Neuroscience

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Researcher in Neuroscience to play a central role in a Wellcome-funded translational research programme focused on understanding how immune mechanisms contribute to psychiatric disorders. This post offers an exciting opportunity contribute directly to translating fundamental biological discoveries into therapeutic strategies, within a world-leading research environment at the University of Oxford.

 

The programme integrates patient stratification using cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models, and pharmacological modulation of disease-relevant cellular readouts. The postholder will lead major experimental workstreams within the programme, taking responsibility for experimental design, data generation, and integration. Prior experience with iPSC-based neuronal and glial differentiation is essential. Experience with multi-electrode array (MEA) methodologies and multi-omic approaches (e.g. single-cell transcriptomics or proteomics) would be an advantage.

 

The postholder will join the Oxford Laboratory for Neuroimmunology and Immunopsychiatry, led by Associate Professor Lahiru Handunnetthi. The group focuses on understanding how immune mechanisms contribute to brain health disorders, using human stem-cell-derived models, multi-omic approaches, and clinically informed experimental designs. The work is embedded within a strong translational ecosystem, with close collaboration with clinical teams, the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, and the Centre for Medicines Discovery. The postholder will work closely with Professors Paul Harrison, Rachel Upthegrove, and Emma Mead.

 

The postholder will receive strong mentorship and support for professional development, including training in new experimental and analytical techniques, opportunities to supervise students, and involvement in manuscript preparation and future grant applications.

 

It is essential that you hold (or are close to completion) a PhD in cell biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, immunology or related discipline, with a proven ability to differentiate iPSCs into neuronal and glial lineages, and apply appropriate quality-control assays, as evidenced by research publications. Equally, you will have demonstrated the ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot complex cell‑based experiments independently. Proficiency in core molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g. immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, ELISA/Luminex, RNA/DNA extraction) is also required.

 

Applications for this vacancy should be made online and you will need to upload a supporting statement and CV. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. Please restrict your documentation to your CV and supporting statement only. Any other documents will be requested at a later date. This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract until 31 March 2028  and is funded by Wellcome.

 

Only applications received before 12 midday on Monday, 16 February 2026 will be considered. Please quote 184413 on all correspondence.

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