"Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Cardiovascular 3D in vitro Systems"

About the Oxford Organoid Hub:

The Oxford Organoid Hub is a cross-departmental centre of excellence driving innovation in human model systems for discovery and therapeutic testing. The Hub provides access to scalable, engineered organoid and microtissue systems that model cardiac physiology, disease and regeneration. It brings together expertise in stem cell and developmental biology, tissue engineering, imaging and computational analysis to accelerate translation of human-relevant models.

Overview of the role:

The post-holder will join the MRC-BHF REACT-funded project “Engineering Human 3D Cardiac Platforms for Regenerative Therapy Screening”, led by Dr Filipa Simões and Dr Chris Toepfer.

The project aims to deliver scalable, human-specific cardiac assay systems and reporter tools for the discovery of RNA and gene therapies targeting regeneration, angiogenesis and fibrosis. Working at the interface of cardiac organoid biology and therapeutic screening, the post-holder will play a central role in developing and validating next-generation cardiac assay platforms integrated into REACT’s cross-institutional screening pipeline.

This post is available from February 2026 and is fixed term for two years.

Key responsibilities:

• Engineer and validate human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived 3D cardiac platforms, including multicellular organoids and high-throughput cardiomyocyte spheroids.
• Develop and apply live-cell reporter systems for quantifying proliferation and regeneration.
• Benchmark and optimise AAV and RNA-based vector delivery across cardiac tissue platforms.
• Implement quantitative functional assays (e.g. calcium imaging, electrophysiology, contractility, ECM analysis).
• Collaborate with REACT partners to integrate validated assays into the cross-institutional screening pipeline and test nominated regenerative candidates.
• Manage day-to-day project planning, data analysis and reporting to leadership.
• Prepare manuscripts, present results at internal and external meetings and contribute to the Oxford Organoid Hub training and outreach.

Selection criteria:

• Hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in developmental or stem cell biology, molecular genetics, cardiovascular sciences, or a related discipline.
• Strong experience in mammalian cell culture, ideally hPSC differentiation and/or 3D tissue models.
• Proven track record in molecular biology and/or live-cell imaging.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Excellent communication, organisational and analytical skills.
• Commitment to scientific integrity, equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

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 18/12/2025.

Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 05/01/2026, and will be face to face. For candidates based outside the UK, a Microsoft Teams set up will be organised. For further information on the post, please contact Dr Filipa Simões filipa.simoes@idrm.ox.ac.uk and Dr Chris Toepfer christopher.toepfer@cardiov.ox.ac.uk.