Research Assistant – Neuronal cell biologist in Parkinson’s
Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU
Contract & job type: Full-time, Fixed-term until 30/09/27
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 to join the Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated cell biologist with experience in stem cell culture, neuronal differentiation, and phenotypic assays. Strong skills in neurobiology, cell imaging, and molecular techniques are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively.
In this role, you will be responsible for undertaking a range of cell culture activity working with patient primary fibroblasts, iPSC lines and iPSC-derived neurons and glia, performing analysis of Parkinson’s molecular and cellular biology and correlating read-outs of cell and molecular biology with detailed clinical phenotypes to contribute to our understanding of Parkinson’s disease. This post is funded by the Oxford/GSK Institute of Molecular & Computational Medicine (IMCM) and available immediately until September 2027.
Key responsibilities:
- Undertake maintenance culture of fibroblast and iPSC lines, and differentiation of iPSC lines into dopamine neurons and glia
- Apply cellular, molecular and imaging assay techniques in iPSC-derived neurons and glia from patients to test cell biology and organelle function
- 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 BSc or MSc degree in neuroscience or cell/molecular biology or equivalent.
- Have experience in neuronal/glial cell culture, preferably in human pluripotent stem cells
- Have experience in setting up cellular assays, including image-based experiments
- Have knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s
- Be highly motivated, with the capacity to think creatively and work across teams
- 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 12 noon on Monday 24th August 2026.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 31st August 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:
[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.
