Job Description

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Transcriptomics of iPSC-Derived Neurons to join the newly established Oxford-GSK Institute for Molecular & Computational Medicine (IMCM). This collaborative Institute brings together leading researchers from the University of Oxford and GSK, with expertise across genetics, molecular biology, imaging, and computational science, to drive innovation in understanding disease mechanisms--particularly in neurodegeneration. You will join the Hallegger group, a supportive and inclusive lab focused on identifying transcriptomic changes linked to the earliest stages of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS. Using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, you will develop novel iPSC lines expressing disease-associated TDP-43 variants and apply advanced transcriptomic techniques to study RNA regulation in motor neurons. Your work will involve high-resolution imaging, iCLIP, and close collaboration with the Institute's bioinformatics team to interpret and connect molecular changes with cell-level phenotypes. This role suits someone with a strong background in iPSC biology and transcriptomics, who enjoys working across disciplines and contributing to large, collaborative projects.

You will be responsible for leading the culture and characterisation of iPSC-derived neuronal models to support the lab's work on neurodegeneration. This includes generating novel cell lines using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to introduce mutations in RNA-binding proteins linked to motor neuron disease. You will also be responsible for carrying out cellular and biochemical assays using advanced techniques in cell biology, molecular biology, proteomics, and imaging. In addition, you will be responsible for the analysis and interpretation of complex datasets, with support from specialist teams in bioinformatics and imaging. You will apply RNA sequencing approaches, such as bulk, long-read, and iCLIP, to investigate gene expression and regulatory changes. You will test hypotheses, adapt scientific protocols, and manage your own research projects, coordinating different aspects of work to meet deadlines.

It is essential that you hold, or are close to completing, a PhD/DPhil in Neuroscience, Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field. You should have solid research experience working with human iPSC-derived neuronal models, along with a strong background in cell culture, molecular and cell biology, protein biochemistry, and the development of cellular assays. Experience with microscopy techniques is important, as is familiarity with transcriptomics and basic bioinformatics. You should also be comfortable using relevant analysis and statistical tools such as Fiji, Cell Profiler, Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, GraphPad Prism, and RStudio. The role calls for someone who is highly motivated, creative in their approach, and able to work effectively across teams.

Applications for this vacancy should be made online and you will need to upload a supporting statement and CV. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. Please restrict your documentation to your CV and supporting statement only. Any other documents will be requested at a later date.

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract for 36 months and is funded by GSK.

Only applications received before 12 midday on 11 August 2025 will be considered. Please quote

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