Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Target Discovery Institute, NDM Research Building, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7FZ

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and talented Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join our internationally recognised programme investigating novel mechanisms of oxygen sensing and hypoxia biology.

You will contribute to an exciting project examining cardiovascular responses to hypoxia mediated by a recently discovered oxygen-sensing pathway first elucidated in our laboratory (Masson, Keeley et al., Science, 2019). This work revealed a novel mechanism whereby N-terminal cysteine dioxygenation of the Regulators of G-protein Signalling 4 and 5 (RGS4 and RGS5) couples cellular oxygen availability to the control of G-protein signalling.

This project will focus on defining the cardiovascular consequences of disrupting this pathway through detailed phenotyping of ADO knockout in vivo. You will employ a range of in vivo and ex vivo approaches to investigate cardiovascular function under basal conditions and in response to hypoxia and/or pharmacological stimulation. The work offers an excellent opportunity to integrate molecular mechanisms of oxygen sensing with whole-animal physiology and cardiovascular biology.

You will be responsible for managing your own academic research and administrative activities. You will also test hypotheses and analyse scientific techniques and experimental protocols. You will be responsible for the management of recombinant/transgenic in vivo lines. You will analyse integrated cardiovascular responses to hypoxia and/or agonist stimulation in intact in vivo (live and unconscious) and in isolated tissues ex vivo.

You will also act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques. You will represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone.

It is essential that you hold a PhD/DPhil (or close to completion) in cardiovascular science or another related subject. You need to possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes. You must have experience in management of recombinant/transgenic mouse colonies. It is essential that you have the ability to manage your own academic research and associated activities.

Applications for this vacancy should be made online and you will need to upload a supporting statement and CV. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. Please restrict your documentation to your CV and supporting statement only. Any other documents will be requested at a later date.

Only applications received before 12 midday on 20 August 2026 will be considered. Please quote 187231 on all correspondence.

Salary (£):
Research Grade 7:
Salary in range £39,424 - £47,779 per annum (pro rata). This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract until 1 June 2029 and is funded by the Wellcome Discovery Award.