Research Assistant

HMRN; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

38 days annual leave

Childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle and car loan schemes

Employee Assistance Programme

Club memberships

Travel loans

Job summary

The University of Oxford's Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (DPAG) Wade-Martins Laboratory is seeking a Research Assistant to differentiate iPSC-derived dopamine neurons from Parkinson’s patients and controls, applying cellular and molecular techniques to study endolysosomal and mitochondrial biology.

You will work on metabolic and lipidomic profiling and contribute to ongoing projects across teams, with emphasis on collaboration and inclusion.

Qualifications

• BSc/MSc in neuroscience or cell biology
• Experience in neuronal stem cell culture and cellular assays
• Knowledge of cell biology of neurodegenerative disease, such as Parkinson’s
• Experience collaborating across diverse teams

Responsibilities

• Differentiation of iPSC-dopamine neurons to probe endolysosomal and mitochondrial biology
• Analysis of the phenotypic effect of pharmacological inhibitors on Parkinson’s cell biology
• Metabolic and lipidomic profiling in iPSC-dopamine neurons
• Supporting projects and collaborating across teams

Skills

iPSC-dopamine neuron differentiation

Neuronal stem cell culture

Neurodegenerative disease biology

Cross-team collaboration

Education

BSc in neuroscience or cell biology

MSc in neuroscience or cell biology

Tools

Lipidomics techniques

Metabolic profiling

Job description

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:

We are seeking a Research Assistant neuronal cell biologist 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 undertake differentiation of iPSC-dopamine neurons from Parkinson’s patients and controls and applying cellular and molecular techniques to probe endolysosomal and mitochondrial biology, including metabolic and lipidomic profiling, to validate a novel therapeutic target. This post is available immediately for two years.

Key responsibilities:

• Differentiation of iPSC-dopamine neurons to probe endolysosomal and mitochondrial biology
• Analysis of the phenotypic effect of pharmacological inhibitors on Parkinson’s cell biology
• Metabolic and lipidomic profiling in iPSC-dopamine neurons to study relevant biological pathways
• Supporting projects and collaborating across teams

Selection criteria:

• BSc/MSc in neuroscience or cell biology
• Experience in neuronal stem cell culture and cellular assays
• Knowledge of cell biology of neurodegenerative disease, such as Parkinson’s
• Experience of creating collaborative and inclusive environments with people from different backgrounds

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

The closing date for applications is 18th September 2026

Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 28th September 2026 and will be either face to face or held on Microsoft Teams.

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: [e-mail]

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.

£35,681 to £41,636 per annum. Grade 6