Job Description

Contract & job type: Fixed-term, Full time for 3 years.

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:

Are you passionate about uncovering the fundamental biology that underpins cell survival and decision-making? Do you want to be part of a dynamic, highly collaborative team working at the cutting edge of cell biology and metabolic research? If so, we would love to hear from you. The Klemm Group at the University of Oxford is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join our Wellcome Trust-funded programme investigating the role of organelle communication in defining cellular health, stress response, and cell-fate decisions. In this highly collaborative project, you will explore how membrane contact sites act as critical platforms for organelle crosstalk, enabling cells to adapt and survive during starvation, stress, and differentiation. Your work will focus particularly on the role of mitochondria and their interactions with lipid droplets, the endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, and peroxisomes in orchestrating these processes. You'll have the opportunity to deploy a wide range of advanced techniques, including confocal microscopy, live-cell imaging, immunofluorescence, cellular biochemistry, proteomics, and image-based analysis. There's also scope to expand into computational biology, high-content imaging analysis, and data-driven modeling, depending on your experience and interests. This is a great training opportunity for a collaborative scientist to work alongside scientists across multiple departments on the South Parks Science Campus, including the Department of Biochemistry, the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, and the Dunn School of Pathology.

This post is available from 1st July 2025.

Key responsibilities:

Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines

Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols

Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate

Contribute ideas for new research projects

Develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals to senior researchers

Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present talks and posters

Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment

Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques

Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone

Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups

Selection criteria:

Essential:

The post holder must hold or be near completion of a DPhil/PhD in the life science. Hands-on experience with confocal microscopy, immunofluorescence, live-cell imaging, image analysis, and cellular biochemistry Excellent knowledge of cell biology (e.g. organelle biology, metabolism, stem cell differentiation) Exceptionally motivated to use and develop computational methods for cell analysis Professional level of presentation and communication Deep background in scientific literature and developed skills to share this knowledge Ability to carry out highest quality cell biology experiments Proven ability to supervise and active engagement in scientific collaboration

Desirable:

Computational biology, including automated image analysis (e.g., high-content microscopy) Single-cell data modeling or molecular dynamics simulations of lipid-protein interactions Expertise in areas such as lipid biology, mitochondrial biology, cell stress, endo-lysosomal systems, or lipid droplets

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 13 June 2025.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 30 June 2025, 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, X 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.