At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research in cardiac therapies and develop groundbreaking treatments.
- Company: Join a prestigious team at the University of Oxford's Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, childcare services, and financial perks like travel loans.
- Other info: Collaborate with world-leading scientists and gain mentorship for your research journey.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in heart health while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: PhD with postdoctoral experience and a strong publication record required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Location: Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), IMS‑Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7TY
Contract & Job Type: Full‑time, fixed‑term for 30 months
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 seek to recruit two highly motivated senior post‑doctoral researchers onto a transition fellowship award as part of the MRC‑BHF Centre in Advanced Cardiac Therapies (REACT). Established in 2025, REACT aims to develop novel therapeutic approaches to regenerate the injured heart and reverse established heart failure. This new Centre brings together world‑leading scientists and clinicians from King's College London and the Universities of Oxford and Edinburgh, combined with other academic partners and biotech and pharmaceutical industry representatives, to develop new medicines and deliver them to the injured or failing heart. The Centre will widely disseminate its progress and key findings to the public and patients and is firmly committed to training, career development and promoting early career researchers.
The REACT transition fellow will be based at the Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) within the Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics and hosted by Professor Paul Riley – the Director and Cardiovascular lead for the IDRM and Co‑Director of REACT. IDRM is a flagship research institute at the University of Oxford and provides a dynamic, collaborative research environment. With 15‑20 research groups and, at full capacity, around 240 research staff, IDRM investigates how understanding normal development can inform strategies to regenerate diseased or injured tissues. Research spans three major themes: cardiovascular science, neuroscience and immunology, addressing key organ systems targeted by non‑communicable diseases.
The REACT Transition Fellowship programme aims to support and develop outstanding postdoctoral researchers, enabling them to secure competitive external funding and to foster the next generation of leaders in advanced cardiac therapies aligned with the strategic mission of REACT and the IDRM. The successful Fellow will receive a £150,000 transitional award over two and a half years in addition to salary. This funding may be used flexibly, for example to support a research assistant (where justified), consumables, and travel for conferences or collaborative placements. The Fellow will retain full budgetary control of the award. The Fellowship is intended to facilitate researchers in transitioning to independence through externally funded, highly competitive fellowship or career development awards to enable them to progress to Group Leader status through securing substantial external funding.
Within the first 18‑24 months, the Fellow is expected to apply for follow‑on external funding, aiming to secure a competitive 5‑8‑year fellowship or Career Development Award (CDA) from UKRI (BBSRC, MRC, EPSRC), BHF, Wellcome Trust, or an equivalent funder. The Fellow will be supported by Professor Paul Riley and senior REACT and IDRM colleagues throughout the application process, with successful funding representing the next step toward full independence. During the Fellowship, the awardee will be affiliated with Professor Riley’s research group and listed accordingly on the IDRM website, to ensure mentoring and support. However, the Fellow will manage their own budget, recruit staff as appropriate, and lead their research programme and outputs, including academic publications.
Selection Criteria: Applicants should have a PhD in a related field and already have demonstrated several years of postdoctoral experience; distinctive research achievements, a strong publication record, and a compelling long‑term research vision. The successful candidate must actively pursue interdisciplinary collaborations and demonstrate emerging independence in areas such as target discovery, cardiac delivery and clinical translation that will add strategic value to REACT and the IDRM.
What we offer: Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:
- 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
EEO Statement: 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 biodiversity.
Transition Research Fellow employer: Corehr
The Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at the University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative research environment that fosters innovation and inclusivity. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the REACT Transition Fellowship provides substantial funding and mentorship opportunities, enabling researchers to transition to independence while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in cardiac therapies. Located in the vibrant city of Oxford, employees benefit from a supportive work culture, generous leave policies, and a range of family-friendly initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transition Research Fellow
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend conferences, seminars, or even casual meet-ups. Building relationships can lead to opportunities that aren’t advertised, so don’t be shy about reaching out to potential collaborators or mentors.
✨Show Off Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with someone about your work, let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about your research and what excites you about it. This can make a lasting impression and show that you're genuinely invested in your field.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every opportunity is unique, so make sure to tailor your pitch or conversation to fit the specific role or institution. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with their goals, especially in areas like cardiac therapies or interdisciplinary collaboration.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by the hiring team. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Transition Research Fellow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for in a Transition Research Fellow.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t be shy about your accomplishments! Include specific examples of your research achievements and publications that demonstrate your expertise and potential for independence in the field.
Express Your Vision:We want to know where you're headed! Clearly articulate your long-term research vision and how it fits within the goals of REACT and IDRM. This helps us see your potential impact on the team.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, the best way to apply is through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Corehr
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest developments in cardiovascular science and regenerative medicine. Familiarise yourself with the work of Professor Paul Riley and the REACT Centre. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Prepare Your Vision
Articulate a clear long-term research vision that aligns with the goals of the REACT programme. Think about how your past experiences and future plans can contribute to advancing cardiac therapies. Be ready to discuss potential interdisciplinary collaborations that could enhance your research.
✨Showcase Your Achievements
Highlight your distinctive research achievements and strong publication record. Prepare specific examples of your contributions to previous projects, especially those that demonstrate your emerging independence and ability to lead a research programme.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the fellowship, the team dynamics, and the expectations for securing external funding. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
