Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Vascular Ion Channel Pathways

Corehr; Oxford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oxford invites applications for a two-year fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Vascular Ion Channel Pathways, Department of Pharmacology, Mansfield Road, Oxford.

The project investigates TMEM16A and solute transport in cardiac pericytes, with access to clinical samples via Cardiology at John Radcliffe Hospital. You will design and perform experiments and contribute to publications while collaborating with clinical researchers.

Qualifications

• PhD/DPhil required or near completion.
• Proven electrophysiology (patch-clamp) and/or ion imaging experience in vascular or related systems.
• Strong publication record and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage own research and administrative tasks for a two-year project.
• Adapt existing and develop new experimental protocols and techniques.
• Test hypotheses and analyse data from multiple sources.
• Contribute ideas for new projects and grant income, and support reporting.

Skills

electrophysiology (patch-clamp)

ion imaging

vascular physiology

communication skills

data analysis

Education

PhD / DPhil

Tools

Patch-clamp equipment

Ion imaging equipment

Immunostaining imaging equipment

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Vascular Ion Channel Pathways

Department of Pharmacology, 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 12noon on Monday 28 September 2026.