Oxford Organoid Hub, Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Sherrington Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT Oxford Organoid Hub, Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Sherrington Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT Full-time, fixed term for 2 years. Post available from February 2026. About us: At the 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. About the Oxford Organoid Hub: The Oxford Organoid Hub is a cross-departmental centre of excellence driving innovation in human model systems for discovery and therapeutic testing. The Hub provides access to scalable, engineered organoid and microtissue systems that model cardiac physiology, disease and regeneration. It brings together expertise in stem cell and developmental biology, tissue engineering, imaging and computational analysis to accelerate translation of human-relevant models. Overview of the role: The post-holder will join the MRC-BHF REACT-funded project “Engineering Human 3D Cardiac Platforms for Regenerative Therapy Screening”, led by Dr Filipa Simões and Dr Chris Toepfer. The project aims to deliver scalable, human-specific cardiac assay systems and reporter tools for the discovery of RNA and gene therapies targeting regeneration, angiogenesis and fibrosis. Working at the interface of cardiac organoid biology and therapeutic screening, the post-holder will play a central role in developing and validating next-generation cardiac assay platforms integrated into REACT’s cross-institutional screening pipeline. This post is available from February 2026 and is fixed term for two years. Key responsibilities:
1. Engineer and validate human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived 3D cardiac platforms, including multicellular organoids and high-throughput cardiomyocyte spheroids.
2. Benchmark and optimise AAV and RNA-based vector delivery across cardiac tissue platforms.
3. Implement quantitative functional assays (e.g. calcium imaging, electrophysiology, contractility, ECM analysis).
4. Collaborate with REACT partners to integrate validated assays into the cross-institutional screening pipeline and test nominated regenerative candidates.
5. Manage day-to-day project planning, data analysis and reporting to leadership.
6. Prepare manuscripts, present results at internal and external meetings and contribute to the Oxford Organoid Hub training and outreach.
Selection criteria:
7. Hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in developmental or stem cell biology, molecular genetics, cardiovascular sciences, or a related discipline.
8. Strong experience in mammalian cell culture, ideally hPSC differentiation and/or 3D tissue models.
9. Proven track record in molecular biology and/or live-cell imaging.
10. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.
11. Excellent communication, organisational and analytical skills.
12. Commitment to scientific integrity, equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
What we offer: Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:
13. Hybrid working
14. An excellent contributory pension scheme
15. 38 days annual leave
16. A comprehensive range of childcare services
17. Family leave schemes
18. Cycle and electric car loan schemes
19. Employee Assistance Programme
20. Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
21. Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans