At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team developing genetic therapies for inherited heart conditions and conduct cutting-edge research.
- Company: Be part of the University of Oxford's innovative CureHeart programme.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, generous family leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract until November 2028 with excellent networking opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while gaining valuable skills in advanced genetic therapies.
- Qualifications: BSc 2:1 or higher in relevant fields and experience in cell culture and molecular techniques.
The predicted salary is between 33951 - 39906 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly motivated Postgraduate Research Assistant with expertise and interest in developing cures for inherited cardiomyopathies using advanced genetic 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 oligonucleotide based therapies and a variety of other cellular and sequencing 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 having experience in cell culture, PCR, qPCR, and DNA and RNA extraction. Experience in the culture of iPSC and their differentiation into cardiomyocytes or other cell types, along with experience in next generation sequencing library preparation or analysis 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. Only applications received before 12:00 midday on 16th September 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 28th September 2026.
For informal enquiries about the position, please contact Dr Alex Sparrow – alexander.sparrow@cardiov.ox.ac.uk
The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive range of competitive benefits available to all members of staff designed to support both professional and personal wellbeing. Benefits include:
- Generous family leave schemes, including maternity, paternity, adoption, and carers’ leave
- 38 days of annual leave, plus additional leave for continuous service
- Membership of a highly competitive pension scheme
- Annual cost-of-living reviews and automatic salary increments up to the top of the grade
- Extensive training and professional development opportunities
- Travel support schemes and a wide range of transport discounts, including bus, train, and bicycle travel
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.
Salary (£) : £33,951 – £39,906 with a discretionary range to £44,746
Postgraduate Research Assistant in Oxford employer: Corehr
Sheffield Hallam University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Smart Interactive Technologies Lab. As a Research Fellow, you will have access to cutting-edge research infrastructure and the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects aimed at improving maternal health outcomes, all while benefiting from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and development. Join us in making a meaningful difference in healthcare through responsible and human-centred digital innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postgraduate Research Assistant in Oxford
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We think you need these skills to ace Postgraduate Research Assistant in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Corehr that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Corehr.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Corehr does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Corehr
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Corehr. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
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Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Corehr. This shows your passion for the industry!
