Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Contract & job type: Fixed-term, Full-time for 32 months

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:

This post will investigate how Parkinson’s disease-associated genetic perturbations alter mitochondrial function and metabolism in human neurons. The postholder will extend and use focused CRISPRi/a sgRNA libraries in iPSC-derived cortical neurons, validate priority findings in dopaminergic neurons, and characterise cellular responses using established high-content imaging, quantitative phenotyping and metabolic assays.

Key responsibilities:

• Maintain iPSC cultures and differentiate iPSC lines into dopaminergic or cortical neurons.
• Perform medium-throughput experiments using small-molecule treatments and CRISPR-based genetic perturbations.
• Create and maintain CRIPSR sgRNA libraries
• Apply, develop and optimise cellular, molecular, high-content imaging and metabolic assays .
• Select, adapt and develop experimental protocols 

Please refer to the job description for full responsibilities and selection criteria.

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.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 19/10/26.

Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 26/10/26, and will be face to face / held on Microsoft Teams, depending on applicant’s location.

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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