Research Assistant: Discovery science

University of Oxford seeks a Research Assistant to study Parkinson’s using iPSC dopamine neurons, metabolic profiling and lipidomics.

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

How to apply:

Please provide a supporting statement outlining how you meet the selection criteria along with your CV, and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is 18^th September 2026

Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 28^th 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: hr@dpag.ox.ac.uk

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.

Job description