Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Applications are invited for a talented and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the MRC/BHF Centre of Research Excellence in Advanced Cardiac Therapies (REACT) at the University of Oxford. The postholder will be part of a vibrant multi-disciplinary research centre operating across King’s College London, University of Oxford and University of Edinburgh, having the overall aim to develop transformational therapies for cardiac repair and regeneration.

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.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Smart and Kalisch-Smith groups (joint project). The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, keen to learn new skills, and will have experience in a range of cellular and molecular techniques. In this role, you will be responsible for developing a new research programme testing a group of compounds for their potential to promote cardiac regeneration, and delineating the underlying mechanisms. This post is available for 24 months.

Key responsibilities:

• Plan, manage and conduct an agreed academic research project and associated activities; taking direction from the Principal Investigators and other colleagues in the research group as appropriate.
• Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate.
• Develop research questions, analyse detailed and complex qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources, and contribute original ideas for new research projects.
• Coordinate multiple aspects of work to deliver novel research data in accordance with established timelines set between you and the Principal Investigator.
• Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols to support research.
• Regularly contribute to or write research articles at an international level for peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and reviews.
• Formally present your research and represent the research group at internal, national and international conferences and meetings; either with other members of the team or alone.
• Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups, in accordance with the Principal Investigator’s requirements.
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.

Selection criteria:

• Hold or to be near completion of a PhD/DPhil in a biomedical or relevant field, with demonstrated skills and experience applicable to biomedical research.
• A proven track record of high-quality research, commensurate with the level of experience, demonstrated through: publications (or accepted papers) in peer-reviewed journals, including first-author research papers, where possible; presentations at international conferences; awards, prizes, or other recognition of research achievements.
• Sufficient specialist knowledge and relevant experience in a range of cellular, molecular and histological laboratory techniques.
• Enthusiasm for research in cardiovascular development, disease and/or regeneration.
• Demonstrable evidence of independent intellectual and practical contributions to previous research projects, including original ideas, and a deep understanding of the research areas relevant to those projects.
• Evidence of excellent communication abilities, including effective interaction with colleagues and the wider research community; confident and clear presentation of research ideas and results (written, oral, and visual).
• Ability to independently plan, execute, and manage research with strong attention to detail.
• A conscientious and enthusiastic working approach.
• Experience in the field of cardiovascular development or disease.
• Experience of working with animal models.
• Experience in bioinformatics or computational biology.

What we offer:

• 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.

While this is a full-time role, we welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for other flexible working arrangements. Please note that occasional weekend or out-of-hours work is required for time-sensitive experiments.

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 29th May 2026. Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 8th June, 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.

REACT is collaborative and inclusive: REACT brings together researchers in a collaborative environment. Alongside our scientific aims, our ambition is to create a more inclusive and supportive research culture, in line with our co-developed Ways of Working. We place a strong emphasis on community-building, training, career development, and mentorship. We recognise that excellent researchers do not all follow the same trajectory. We therefore welcome applications from candidates who have followed less conventional career paths, or who are still developing aspects of their profile, and who can demonstrate strong potential and relevant experience. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in cardiovascular research, including women, racially minoritised, and disabled researchers.

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.