Postdoctoral Research Scientist: Timing postnatal heart development by pH: a role for the subsiding interstitial acidity
Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Sherrington Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT
Contract & job type: Full-time, fixed-term for 36 months
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 postdoctoral research associate to join the Swietach and Smart groups (joint project). The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated biomedical scientist who is keen to learn new skills and contribute their experience in in vitro, in vivo and molecular techniques to a project related to cardiac physiology and development. In this role, you will be responsible for undertaking a research project on the effect of acidosis in the developing heart, a new regulator of cardiac maturation. This post is available for up to 36 months (dependent on start date).
Key responsibilities:
- Plan, manage and conduct an agreed academic research project, taking direction from the Principal Investigators and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate.
- Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate.
- Use specialist scientific equipment safely and appropriately in line with local procedures.
- Develop research questions, analyse detailed and complex qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources, and contribute original ideas for new research projects.
- Coordinate multiple aspects of work to deliver novel research data in accordance with established timelines set between you and the Principal Investigator.
- Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols to support research
- Isolate and culture primary cardiac cells.
- Maintain rodent colonies, perform interventions and obtain samples under appropriate animal husbandry.
- Support day-to-day running of the laboratory and maintaining shared spaces.
- Maintain accurate and complete records of experimental procedures, results, analyses, and research-related decisions in accordance with good research practice.
- Present and disseminate research findings through lab meetings, departmental seminars, conferences, publications, and other appropriate routes.
- Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, manuscripts, grant-related documents, journal articles, papers, posters, and research proposals.
- Contribute ideas for new research projects, further development of the current research programme, and potential research income generation.
- Provide information, advice, training, and day-to-day support to students, visiting researchers, junior laboratory members, and other members of the group.
- Represent the research group at external meetings, seminars, and collaborative discussions, either independently or with colleagues.
- Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions and research groups, ensuring effective communication and coordination.
- Keep up to date with relevant scientific literature, technical developments, and methodological advances.
Selection criteria:
- Hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in a relevant biomedical field, such as developmental biology, physiology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry
- Hold a valid PIL licence, or have extensive experience in rat husbandry, and handling.
- Experience with mammalian cell culture.
- Experience with immunofluorescence and/or immunohistochemical staining and microscopy
- Experience with the preparation of samples for protein-based assays, and with techniques such as western blotting, immunoprecipitation or ELISA.
- Experience with the modification of gene expression in primary cell cultures.
- Experience with RNA extraction, qPCR, and sample preparation for RNA-seq.
Desirable:
- Experience with the isolation and maintenance of primary cardiac cell cultures.
- Track record in cardiac cell pH regulation or ion transport.
- Experience with flow cytometry and/or fluorescence-activated cell sorting.
- Experience in single-cell sequencing techniques, such as RNAseq.
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
While this is a full-time role, we welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
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 02/09/2026.
Inte
views are likely to take place during the week commencing 21/09/2026, and will be 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:
[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.
