Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG), Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford

Location: Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU

Contract: Full-time, fixed-term (7 months)

About the Role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join our Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration at the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and skilled cellular neurophysiologist with experience in the differentiation of human Parkinson’s and control iPSC lines into striatal, dopaminergic and cortical neurons in mono-culture and microfluidic tri-culture, assays of neuronal electrophysiology and calcium signalling, analysis of Parkinson’s cellular phenotypes using high-content imaging in striatal, dopaminergic and cortical neurons, and in molecular cell biology and RNA-Seq single cell gene expression analysis. This post is available for 7 months from December 2026.

Key Responsibilities

• Differentiation of human iPSC lines into striatal, dopaminergic and cortical neurons in mono-culture and microfluidic tri-culture
• Assays of neuronal electrophysiology and calcium signalling
• Analysis of Parkinson’s cellular phenotypes using high-content imaging in striatal, dopaminergic and cortical neurons
• Molecular cell biology and RNA-Seq single cell gene expression analysis
• Contributing to research development and publications

Essential Criteria

• PhD or DPhil degree in neuroscience or cell/molecular biology (or near completion)
• Hands-on expertise in the differentiation of human iPSC lines into striatal, dopaminergic and cortical neurons in mono-culture and microfluidic tri-culture
• Hands-on expertise in assays of neuronal electrophysiology and calcium signalling
• Hands-on expertise in analysis of Parkinson’s cellular phenotypes using high-content imaging in striatal, dopaminergic and cortical neurons
• Hands-on expertise in molecular cell biology and RNA-Seq single cell gene expression analysis
• Experience of creating collaborative and inclusive environments with people from different backgrounds.

About DPAG

DPAG conducts world-leading research spanning molecular, cellular, tissue, and systems-level physiology, bridging discovery science and translational medicine. The department is committed to research excellence, high-quality teaching, and fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace.

Benefits

The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Hybrid working opportunities
• Contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• Childcare and family leave support
• Cycle and electric vehicle loan schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Social and sports club membership
• Discounted bus travel and season ticket loans

How to Apply

Submit a CV, supporting statement addressing the selection criteria, and details of two referees via the online application system.

Closing date: 12 noon, 24 August 2026

Interviews: Expected via Microsoft Teams during the weeks commencing 31 August 2026.

DPAG welcomes applications from under-represented groups and is committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, and sustainability through initiatives such as LEAF and Green Impact.

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