"Postgraduate Research Assistant"

Postgraduate Research Assistant

Location: RDM Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU

We are seeking a highly motivated Postgraduate Research Assistant with expertise and interest in developing cures for inherited cardiomyopathies using advanced therapies to join the CureHeart team at the University of Oxford. CureHeart is an Oxford-led international research programme aiming to develop cures for inherited cardiomyopathies using advanced genetic therapies.

As Postgraduate Research Assistant, you will be directly involved in the day-to-day culture and maintenance of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), differentiation of iPSCs into cardiomyocytes in 2D and 3D experimental formats. The post will involve developing antisense oligonucleotide based therapies and a variety of other cellular and molecular experiments and will also involve analysing data from experiments, and presenting the findings at internal group meetings. The post offers a unique opportunity to develop a skill set in the field of RNA based therapies in iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, with opportunities for networking and collaboration with international research groups.

You will hold a BSc 2:1 or higher in a relevant discipline (i.e., Developmental, Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or Natural Sciences), alongside experience in cell culture of induced pluripotent stem cells. Previous experience of cell-based assays using oligonucleotides and small molecules is also required, in addition to strong IT skills and good knowledge of statistics. Experience working with cardiomyocytes or muscle cells will be an advantage.

This is a full-time appointment on a fixed-term contract to 9 November 2028, and you will be based at the West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, OX3 9DU.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online; you will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement which explains how you meet the selection criteria for the post.

Only applications received before midday on 16th March 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 23rd March 2026.

For informal enquiries about the position, please contact Professor Hugh Watkins - hugh.watkins@cardiov.ox.ac.uk.

The University of Oxford offers an attractive range of competitive benefits available to all staff for both work and personal life - hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits

Committed to equality and valuing diversity
We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 6
Salary: £35,681 - £41,636 per annum, with a discretionary range to £46,476
Closing Date & Time: 16-Mar-2026 12:00