Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Vascular Ion Channel Pathways

Economics Network; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Economics Network in Oxford is seeking a newly qualified postdoctoral researcher for a two-year, fixed-term project funded by the British Heart Foundation. The role focuses on TMEM16A and cardiac pericyte regulation, with access to clinical samples through Oxford University hospitals.

You will lead investigations, optimize protocols, analyze data, and contribute to publications, generating new research ideas and potentially income for the group.

Qualifications

• PhD/ DPhil in a relevant field with strong research background.
• Proven experience in electrophysiology (patch-clamp) and/or ion imaging.
• Experience with microvasculature imaging in tissue preparations or live imaging.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to publish and present findings.

Responsibilities

• Manage your own research project and administrative tasks.
• Develop and adapt experimental protocols and techniques.
• Test hypotheses and analyze data from diverse sources.
• Contribute to publications, presentations, and grant applications.

Skills

Electrophysiology

Ion imaging

Vascular physiology

Communication skills

Education

PhD / DPhil in relevant field

Job description

Location: Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT

We are seeking a newly qualified postdoctoral researcher to fill a two-year, fixed-term post funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), working in the research group of Professor Paolo Tammaro.

The project will investigate the contribution of solute transport mechanisms, with particular emphasis on the TMEM16A anion channel, to the regulation of cardiac pericyte function. The work builds on collaborative studies and will benefit from complementary clinical research, as well as access to specialist expertise and clinical samples through collaborations with Cardiology at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

The principal objective of the project is to investigate the mechanisms controlling cardiac pericyte tone under normal and ischaemic conditions. In particular, the project aims to identify and characterise ion channels and associated signalling mechanisms that could represent novel therapeutic targets for complications of cardiac ischaemia, including the coronary no-reflow phenomenon.

You will be expected to manage your own academic research and administrative activities, adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols, and test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate. The role will also involve contributing ideas for new research projects and for generating research income, and collaborating in the preparation and presentation of scientific reports and journal articles.

You must hold a relevant PhD/DPhil (or be close to completion), together with relevant experience and should also have proven experience in electrophysiology (patch-clamp) and/or ion imaging in heterologous expression systems and/or native cells (eg vascular) and/or live or immunostaining imaging of microvasculature in isolated tissue preparations. Knowledge of ion channel pharmacology and molecular physiology and/or vascular physiology and pharmacology is essential as is previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations and excellent communication skills.

The post is available from 1 January 2027 on a fixed-term basis for two years, funded by the British Heart Foundation.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 28 September 2026.

£39,424 to £47,779. Research Grade 7