Postdoctoral Research Scientist

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

Contract & job type: Fixed-term for 2 years, full time. This post is available from 11th August 2026.

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 the Paterson research group, reporting to Associate Professor Dan Li. The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing research support for BHF-funded projects investigating co-culture model development to study the mechanisms of arrhythmia in human channelopathies, and will provide advice and guidance to research students where appropriate. This post is available from 11th August 2026 and is fixed term for 2 years. The latest possible start date for this post is 01st January 2027.

Key responsibilities:

• 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
• Contribute ideas for new research projects
• Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone

Selection criteria:

• Hold, or be near to completion of a relevant PhD/DPhil
• Excellent practical experience of working with iPSC generation, culture and differentiation to cardiomyocytes/sympathetic neurons
• Knowledge of cellular models of cardiovascular disease and 3D cultures
• Experience in electrophysiological (especially in Optical Mapping and MEA measurement) and tissue engineering methodologies
• Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities
• Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations

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 Monday 18th May 2026. Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 25th May 2026. 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