Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Bioinformatics

Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Bioinformatics

Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Sherrington Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT

Contract & job type: Fixed-term, Full-time 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 in bioinformatics to join our research group. In this role, you will be responsible for responsibility for carrying out bioinformatic research for sympathetic neuroscience, and further develop analysis pipelines pioneered in the lab based on Topometry (3), to help integrate and expand our single cell atlases. This post is available for 24 months.

Key responsibilities:

• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on technical aspects pertaining to core expertise in bioinformatics and Python, scientific protocols and experimental techniques
• Be proactive on streaming bioinformatic workflows that sustain productivity and output
• Learn and be fully independent on the existing laboratory workflows, such as transcriptomics analytical pipelines running on Python such as Topometry
• 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
• Develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals to the PI
• Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles, in addition to leading their own first author publication
• Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment
• 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:

• Hold or to be near completion of a PhD/DPhil in bioinformatics
• Experience programming with Python and R
• Experience with single cell sequencing workflows
• Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations, namely experience writing scientific papers in demonstrated by first author papers analysing single cell sequencing
• Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in neuroscience to work within established research programmes
• Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities
• Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings
• 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:

• Hybrid working
• 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 17/04/2026. Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 04/05/2026 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, 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.