Job Description

Research Assistant - Neuronal cell 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 Research Assistant to join our Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration within the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at the University of Oxford. The ideal candidate will be a motivated and skilled cell biologist with experience in stem cell culture, neuronal differentiation, and phenotypic assays. A strong background in neurobiology, cell imaging, and molecular techniques, along with excellent organizational and collaborative skills, is essential.

In this role, you will be responsible for supporting a collaborative research project between the University of Oxford and Neumora ( https://neumoratx.com), funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation. You will perform neuronal differentiation and phenotypic testing in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived dopamine neurons to evaluate novel therapeutics targeting lysosomal function in Parkinson's disease. You will work within the state-of-the-art Neuronal Phenotyping and Stem Cell Facility and contribute to translational research at the interface of academic science and pharmaceutical drug discovery. This post is available for 24 months.

Key responsibilities:

Apply cellular, molecular and metabolomic assay techniques in iPSC-derived neurons from patients to test novel modulators of lysosome function

Study the effect of novel modulators of lysosome function across cell and organelle biology in iPSC-derived neuronal models of Parkinson's

Undertake maintenance culture and neuronal differentiation of iPSC lines and differentiation into dopamine neurons

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

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.