Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Neuronal Cell Biology

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

Job summary

The University of Oxford is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Neuronal Cell Biology to advance research in neurodegeneration. The successful candidate will work with neuronal models, specifically targeting alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease. This full-time role includes managing research projects, contributing ideas for funding, and collaborating on publications. Alongside an excellent pension scheme, the role offers 38 days of annual leave and a family-friendly work environment.

Benefits

Excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days annual leave

Comprehensive childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle and electric car loan schemes

Employee Assistance Programme

Membership to social and sports clubs

Discounted bus travel

Qualifications

• Close to completion of a PhD/DPhil in molecular and cellular neuroscience.
• Knowledge of Parkinson’s disease mechanisms and neurodegeneration.
• Experience in human pluripotent stem cell culture.

Responsibilities

• Analyze phenotypic effects of peptides on neuronal cell biology.
• Manage academic research and administrative activities.
• Collaborate on scientific reports and presentations.

Skills

Knowledge of cell and molecular biology mechanisms

Experience in neuronal cell culture

Setting up cellular assays

Education

PhD/DPhil in molecular and cellular neuroscience or equivalent

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Neuronal Cell Biology, Oxford

Client: University of Oxford

Location: Oxford, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference:

Job Views: 5

Posted: 02.06.2025

Expiry Date: 17.07.2025

Job Description:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist (Neuronal Cell Biology) to join the Wade-Martins Laboratory at the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Discovery within DPAG. The ideal candidate will be a neuronal cell biologist with experience working in neuronal models of neurodegeneration, ideally in human stem cell-derived models, and a good knowledge of Parkinson’s disease. In this role, you will differentiate iPSC-dopamine neurons from Parkinson’s patients and controls to target the pathological protein alpha-synuclein. You will treat neurons with peptides targeting alpha-synuclein and use cellular assays to test for alleviation of protein pathology and disease phenotypes. This post is available immediately until 31 August 2027.

Key responsibilities:

• Undertake analysis of the phenotypic effect of treating neurons with peptides targeting alpha-synuclein on cell biology phenotypes in cellular models of Parkinson’s.
• Manage own academic research and administrative activities, including small-scale project management to meet deadlines.
• Contribute ideas for new research projects.
• Develop ideas for generating research income and present detailed research proposals to senior researchers.
• Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles, and occasionally present papers and posters.

Selection criteria:

• Hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in molecular and cellular neuroscience, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of the cell and molecular biology mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease, or related neurodegenerative conditions.
• Experience in neuronal cell culture, preferably in human pluripotent stem cells.
• Experience in setting up cellular assays and techniques in cell and molecular neuroscience.

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 social and sports clubs
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

While this is a full-time role, we welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for flexible working arrangements.