Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Cardiovascular 3D in vitro Systems

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in the United Kingdom is seeking a post-holder for a funded project focused on engineering human 3D cardiac platforms for regenerative therapy screening. The role involves developing scalable cardiac assay systems and collaborating across institutions. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in a relevant field with expertise in mammalian cell culture and live-cell imaging, and is committed to scientific integrity and inclusion.

Benefits

Hybrid working

Excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days annual leave

Comprehensive range of childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle and electric car loan schemes

Employee Assistance Programme

Membership to social and sports clubs

Discounted bus travel

Qualifications

• Strong experience in mammalian cell culture, ideally hPSC differentiation and/or 3D tissue models.
• Proven track record in molecular biology and/or live-cell imaging.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Commitment to scientific integrity, equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Engineer and validate human pluripotent stem cell-derived 3D cardiac platforms.
• Develop and apply live-cell reporter systems for quantifying proliferation.
• Collaborate with REACT partners to integrate validated assays.
• Manage day-to-day project planning, data analysis, and reporting.
• Prepare manuscripts and present results at meetings.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

hPSC differentiation

Molecular biology

Live-cell imaging

Communication

Organisational skills

Analytical skills

Education

PhD/DPhil in developmental or stem cell biology

Job description

Responsibilities

• Engineer and validate human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived 3D cardiac platforms, including multicellular organoids and high-throughput cardiomyocyte spheroids.
• Develop and apply live-cell reporter systems for quantifying proliferation and regeneration.
• Benchmark and optimise AAV and RNA-based vector delivery across cardiac tissue platforms.
• Implement quantitative functional assays (e.g. calcium imaging, electrophysiology, contractility, ECM analysis).
• Collaborate with REACT partners to integrate validated assays into the cross‑institutional screening pipeline and test nominated regenerative candidates.
• Manage day‑to‑day project planning, data analysis and reporting to leadership.
• Prepare manuscripts, present results at internal and external meetings and contribute to the Oxford Organoid Hub training and outreach.

Qualifications

• Hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in developmental or stem cell biology, molecular genetics, cardiovascular sciences, or a related discipline.
• Strong experience in mammalian cell culture, ideally hPSC differentiation and/or 3D tissue models.
• Proven track record in molecular biology and/or live-cell imaging.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Excellent communication, organisational and analytical skills.
• Commitment to scientific integrity, equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

About the Department

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.

About the Oxford Organoid Hub

The Oxford Organoid Hub is a cross‑departmental centre of excellence driving innovation in human model systems for discovery and therapeutic testing. The Hub provides access to scalable, engineered organoid and microtissue systems that model cardiac physiology, disease and regeneration. It brings together expertise in stem cell and developmental biology, tissue engineering, imaging and computational analysis to accelerate translation of human‑relevant models.

Overview of the Role

The post‑holder will join the MRC‑BHF REACT‑funded project "Engineering Human 3D Cardiac Platforms for Regenerative Therapy Screening", led by Dr Filipa Simões and Dr Chris Toepfer. The project aims to deliver scalable, human‑specific cardiac assay systems and reporter tools for the discovery of RNA and gene therapies targeting regeneration, angiogenesis and fibrosis. Working at the interface of cardiac organoid biology and therapeutic screening, the post‑holder will play a central role in developing and validating next‑generation cardiac assay platforms integrated into REACT's cross‑institutional screening pipeline.

Benefits

• Hybrid working
• 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