Research Assistant in neuron-astrocyte communication in neurodegeneration


Company:	University of Oxford
Salary:	£35,681 - £39,424
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Oxford, OX3 7DQ
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	21 Jul 2026
Closing date:	11 Aug 2026

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Summary

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Research Assistant looking to develop a research career. You will join the Lang group (Oxford-GSK IMCM Fellow & NDM Group Leader, University of Oxford). Dr Lang is building a team of scientists dedicated to answering pressing questions in the field of molecular neurodegeneration. The Lang Lab is an inclusive environment with a focus on positive and proactive mentorship, teamwork, and scientific creativity.

The Institute will bring together the very best scientific, clinical, technological and computational expertise from Oxford University and GSK to form unique industry/academic partnership. The aim of the institute is to improve tools in, and knowledge from, genetics, genomics, molecular and single cell biology, spatial imaging, machine learning and novel methods of data handling to study the pattern of diseases in new ways.

You will undertake a multidisciplinary approach to understand mechanisms of communication between dopamine neurons and astrocytes in health and neurodegenerative disease. You will perform and assist in the culture, maintenance, and phenotypic characterisation of cell lines (immortalised and iPSC-derived dopamine neurons and astrocytes). You will undertake cellular and biochemical assays of functional cell biology using advanced techniques in cell and molecular biology. You will contribute to scientific reports and journal articles and the presentation of data/papers at conferences. You will assist with collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups.

It is essential that you hold a BSc in Neuroscience, Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics/Genomics or related area; an MSc (or MSci/integrated Master’s) in a relevant subject is desirable. With an ability to manage own research and administrative activites, you will have hands-on experience in the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into neurons and it is required to detail this experience in the cover letter/supporting statement. You will have experience in general molecular and cell biology. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present research results, in weekly lab meetings and departmental/external meetings is also required.

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