Postdoctoral Research Associate

Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine IDRM, Old Road Campus, Oxford

The Department of Paediatrics at the University of Oxford is looking for a motivated and highly organised Postdoctoral Researcher to help shape a new and ambitious research programme focused on developing innovative genetic therapies for rare genetic diseases.

You will join a newly established, translational and multidisciplinary research programme led by Dr. Marlen Lauffer, and become a core member of the team at the Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction, scientific culture, and long‑term vision of a new research programme.

The programme has three complementary research aims:

• Expanding the genetic therapy toolbox by developing novel therapeutic strategies for rare genetic disorders
• Developing computational tools to accelerate target identification and prioritisation for genetic therapy development
• Standardising therapeutic actionability assessments and translating them into practical resources for clinicians and patients, including frameworks, guidelines, and reports that support decision‑making around genetic therapies

You will work in a highly collaborative environment and have the opportunity to engage with leading national and international initiatives in the field of rare disease therapeutics, including the Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) in Therapeutic Genomics and the N=1 Collaborative. These collaborations offer excellent opportunities for scientific exchange, visibility, and professional development within this rapidly evolving field.

In this role you will lead an independent research project aimed at expanding the possibilities of mRNA modulation through novel exon‑skipping strategies using antisense oligonucleotides to target previously non‑amenable disease‑causing genetic variants.

Ideally, you are a Postdoctoral Researcher who enjoys translational research and is keen to contribute to building a new research team in rare disease therapeutics.

This position is offered full‑time on a fixed‑term contract initially for 18 months or until 15 February 2028, whichever is sooner, with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.

The Department of Paediatrics is committed to equality and valuing diversity. It has received the Athena Swan Gold award for its gender‑equity policies and practices, and provides up to ten paid days annually for skill enhancement, as well as additional training funding. Staff benefit from wellbeing resources, weekly exercise classes, and a choir. For staff on work visas, financial assistance is offered for visa renewal fees.

You hold a PhD/DPhil, or are near completion, in the broader field of biomedical sciences, preferably with relevant experience in neuroscience or genetics. You have proven experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology, and possess highly effective verbal and written communication skills across all levels of staff. You can operate effectively in a demanding and interdisciplinary research environment.

Applicants should upload a full academic CV and a Supporting Statement, which includes a cover letter and outlines how they meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Applications not containing both documents will not be processed. Applications will be considered only if received before 12.00 midday on Friday 31 July 2026.

The Department of Paediatrics offers an Interview Expense Reimbursement Policy in its efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion. Should you be invited to interview, further information about the policy will be provided at that stage.