Postdoctoral Research Associate

Location: Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine IDRM, Old Road Campus, Oxford

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join Professor Stephan Sanders' Research Group in the Department of Paediatrics as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Functional Genomics and Neurodevelopment.

You will develop, implement, and apply computational pipelines to analyse large-scale genomic datasets generated through Perturb-seq and other functional genomics approaches. You will use state-of-the-art computational methods to investigate the genetic mechanisms underlying neurodevelopment and neurological disorders by integrating single-cell genomic and multi-omic datasets.

You will work as part of a highly collaborative international team, partnering with leading researchers at The Scripps Research Institute and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). You will play a central role in analysing and interpreting complex genomic data, integrating computational and experimental findings to advance our understanding of gene function in the developing brain and support the development of future genome-targeted therapies.

You will be working in a growing Department of Paediatrics within the University of Oxfords Medical Sciences Division. The Department of Paediatrics is a world leader in child health research and hosts internationally renowned research programmes in drug development, neuromuscular disease and vaccinology. The post-holder will be based within the Sanders Research Group, led by Professor Stephan Sanders, an internationally recognised leader in neurodevelopmental genomics.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for 2 years, with the possibility to extend, provided further external funding is available.

About you

You will hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in Genetics, Biostatistics, Computational Biology, or a related discipline, together with relevant post-qualification research experience. You will have demonstrable expertise in developing and running data processing and analysis pipelines for a range of bulk and single-cell/single-nucleus genomic datasets, including RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, Perturb-seq, and whole-genome sequencing.

You will possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, together with a proven ability to contribute to scientific publications and present research findings. You will be highly organised, proactive, and motivated to contribute to an internationally collaborative research programme investigating the genetic mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application (via the 'Apply' button above). Your application will not be processed if you do not include both documents.

The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement.

To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Corinne Betts, Prof. Stephan Sanders’ Programme Manager, (Corinne.betts@paediatrics.ox.ac.uk).

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on Friday, 2nd October 2026 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

Advert information