Postdoctoral Research Scientist: Timing Postnatal Heart Development by pH

Location: Sherrington Building, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT

Contract: Full-time, fixed-term for up to 36 months

About the role

The Swietach and Smart research groups are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to investigate how acidosis influences cardiac development and maturation. This exciting project explores a newly recognised regulator of heart development and offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative research spanning cardiac physiology, development, and molecular biology.

The successful candidate will undertake independent and collaborative research, applying a range of in vitro, in vivo, and molecular techniques. Responsibilities will include designing and conducting experiments, analysing complex datasets, developing new methodologies, maintaining high-quality research records, and disseminating findings through publications, presentations, and conferences.

About you

You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD/DPhil in a relevant biomedical discipline such as developmental biology, physiology, molecular biology, genetics, or biochemistry. You should have experience in mammalian cell culture, immunofluorescence and/or immunohistochemistry, protein-based assays (such as western blotting, immunoprecipitation, or ELISA), gene expression modification in primary cell cultures, and RNA extraction and analysis techniques including qPCR and RNA-seq preparation.

Applicants should hold a Personal Licence (PIL) or have substantial experience of rat husbandry and handling. Experience with primary cardiac cell culture, cardiac pH regulation or ion transport, flow cytometry/FACS, or single-cell sequencing techniques would be advantageous.

About DPAG

DPAG is one of the largest basic science departments in the University of Oxford, undertaking world-leading research across molecular, cellular, tissue, and systems physiology. We are committed to research excellence, outstanding teaching, and creating an inclusive and supportive working environment.

What we offer

We provide an range of benefits, including:

• Generous contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• Childcare and family leave support
• Cycle and electric car loan schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Sports and social club membership
• Discounted travel schemes

Flexible and part-time working requests will be considered.

How to apply

Please submit a CV, supporting statement addressing the selection criteria, and details of two referees via the University of Oxford jobs page.

Closing date: 12 noon, 2^nd September 2026

Interviews: Expected week commencing 21^st September 2026 (via Microsoft Teams)

Applications are particularly welcome from women and Black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts at Oxford. Informal enquiries may be directed to hr@dpag.ox.ac.uk.

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