Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Neuronal biologist in restoring lysosomal function in Parkinson's disease

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 for 24 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 Scientist to join our Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration at the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and skilled neuroscientist with experience in neurodegenerative disease models, lysosomal biology, and biomarker discovery. Strong expertise in in vivo experimentation and molecular techniques is essential, along with a collaborative mindset and a passion for translational research.

In this role, you will be responsible for investigating the mechanisms of action of novel lysosomal modulators in transgenic mouse models of Parkinson's disease. You will assess therapeutic efficacy, identify biomarkers of lysosomal activity, and contribute to the development of innovative treatments for Parkinson's disease. This post is available for 24 months.

Key responsibilities:

Test the impact of novel small molecule drugs targeted to the lysosomal system on the lysosome function in Parkinson's transgenic mouse models

Undertake biomarker analysis in Parkinson's transgenic mouse models to identify biomarkers of improved lysosome activity

Perform biochemistry, immunohistochemistry and molecular neuropathology studies in brain samples from transgenic mice

Undertake genotyping, breeding and maintenance of transgenic mouse lines

Contribute ideas for new research projects and develop ideas for generating research income

Manage own academic research and administrative activities involving small scale project management

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

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

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

Selection criteria:

Hold or be near to completion of PhD or DPhil degree in neuroscience or cell/molecular biology, or equivalent.

Have knowledge and experience of working with transgenic mouse models of neurological disease or neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's

Have experience in biochemistry and immunohistochemistry analysis in mouse brain tissue

Hold, or be capable of obtaining, a UK Home Office personal licence with relevant authorities to conduct required procedures. NB: professional training will be provided if you do not already have a personal licence

Be highly motivated, with the capacity to think creatively and work across teams

Show commitment to engaging with, and promoting awareness of, equality, diversity and inclusion and embedding these into your work.

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 Friday 5th December.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 15th December, 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.