Research Assistant - Neuronal Cell Biologist in Targeting Calcium Channels in Parkinson’s Disease

Full-time, Fixed-term until 31/12/27

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:

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant (Neuronal cell biologist) to work on a project to target calcium channels in Parkinson’s disease. The project, funded by the Michael J Fox Foundation and in collaboration with Lario Therapeutics, represents an exciting opportunity to undertake translational work at the interface between academic research and pharmaceutical target and drug discovery in an exceptional setting.

In this role you will be responsible for testing inhibitors of calcium channels as a neuroprotective strategy to protect vulnerable dopamine neurons in Parkinson’s working with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived dopamine neurons generated from Parkinson’s patients and performing analysis of Parkinson’s molecular and cellular biology. This post is available from July 2026 until December 2027.

Key responsibilities:

• Maintaining iPSC lines; differentiating iPSC lines into dopamine neurons
• Undertaking laboratory experiments in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology
• Analysing and presenting data
• Contributing to reports and publications
• Collaborating across teams

Selection criteria:

• BSc/MSc in neuroscience or cell biology
• Excellent practical experience of working with neuronal cell cultures
• 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.

Closing date for applications is midday on Friday 22^nd May. Interviews are likely to be held in the week beginning 1^st June, 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, and promote bio-diversity. See the job description for more detail.

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