Research Assistant- Neuronal Cell Biologist
Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Sherrington Road, Oxford
Contract & job type: Full-time, fixed-term for 17 months from September 1st, 2026
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 our team in the Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration at the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics. The ideal candidate will hold or be near the completion of a MSc or BSc in neuroscience, molecular biology, biochemistry or equivalent and have laboratory experience working with human neuronal cell culture and cellular assays. In this role, you will be responsible for the maintenance and differentiation of human neuronal cells and applying cellular and molecular imaging techniques to assess Parkinson’s phenotypes. This post is available from September 1st, 2026 for 17 months.
Key responsibilities:
- Apply cellular and molecular imaging techniques to measure dopamine dynamics in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons from Parkinson’s patients and related cell lines
- Undertake maintenance culture and neuronal differentiation of iPSC and related cells lines and their differentiation into dopamine neurons
- Study the phenotypic impact of small molecules on the cell biology phenotypes in cellular models of Parkinson’s
- Contribute to wider project planning, including ideas for new research projects
- Determine the most appropriate methodologies to test hypotheses, and identify suitable alternatives if technical problems arise
- Select, follow, and adapt experimental protocols
- Gather, analyse, and present scientific data from a variety of sources
- Contribute to scientific reports and journal articles and the presentation of data/papers at conferences
- Manage own research and administrative activities, within guidelines provided by senior colleagues
- Collaborate effectively with other team members to achieve collective goals
Selection criteria:
- Hold or be near to completion of a BSc or MSc degree in neuroscience, cell/molecular biology, biochemistry or equivalent.
- Experience in neuronal cell culture, preferably but not necessarily in human pluripotent stem cells
- Experience in working with cellular assays, including image-based experiments
- Knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s
- Must have excellent IT skills including word-processing and spreadsheet or scientific graphic packages
- Commitment to, engaging with, and promoting awareness of, equality, diversity and inclusion and embedding these into your work
- The candidate will be highly motivated, with the capacity to think creatively and work across teams
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 12 noon on 18th August, 2026.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 24th August, 2026 and will be face to face
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:
[email protected]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.
