Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Contract & job type: Full-time, fixed-term for 3 years

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. 

Overview of the role:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Derrick group at the Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine. The project seeks to investigate the genetic origins of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, the most severe congenital heart disease. This will be achieved by using cutting-edge techniques to introduce patient mutations into the zebrafish genome and test their pathogenicity. The ideal candidate will hold or be close to completion of a PhD/DPhil with experience in using zebrafish to investigate development and disease of the heart and have a strong grounding in molecular biology.

This post is available from 01^st October 2026 for 3 years.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines
• Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols
• Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate
• Develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals to senior researchers
• Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters

Selection criteria:

• Hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in a field relevant to cardiac development/disease
• Experience in zebrafish husbandry and genetic manipulation (CRISPR)
• Awareness of good experimental practice to generate publication quality data
• Ability to troubleshoot within own capabilities and communicate difficulties
• Be self-motivated to drive output from the project
• Ability to develop skills in less experienced group members

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

Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 21^st September, and will be held on Microsoft Teams in the first instance.

Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford.

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.

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