Senior Postdoctoral Researcher in Parkinson’s Disease Biomarkers and α-Synuclein Seeding

We are seeking an experienced Senior Postdoctoral Researcher to lead a defined laboratory-based workstream within the Translational Neuropathology Group (TNG) led by Professor Laura Parkkinen, in the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN), University of Oxford. The role contributes to "Deciphering the Aggregatome: Unravelling Alpha-Synuclein Seeding Drivers in Parkinson's Disease", an international research programme supported by Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP). The project brings together Oxford, the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry and LMU Munich.

Misfolded α-synuclein aggregates are a defining pathological feature of Parkinson's disease and related synucleinopathies. Seed amplification assays (SAAs), including RT-QuIC, can detect disease-associated α-synuclein seeding activity in human samples. The TNG group in Oxford has contributed to the development and application of these approaches in cerebrospinal fluid [1, 2] and to the biochemical characterisation of human brain-derived α-synuclein aggregates [3]. However, it remains unclear which molecular features explain differences in seeding activity and clinical progression.

The collaborative project will investigate the "aggregatome", the molecular environment associated with α-synuclein aggregates, including interacting proteins, post-translational modifications, lipids and glycosaminoglycans. Complementary SAAs will be combined with biochemical and structural analyses, spatially resolved measurements and multi-omics data across brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, blood and skin. By comparing matched and longitudinal samples, the consortium aims to distinguish factors associated with seeding from those that functionally modify it, and to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Reporting to Professor Laura Parkkinen, the postholder will lead the Oxford research workstream focused on the measurement, mechanistic investigation and interpretation of α-synuclein seeding activity across human brain tissue and biofluids. They will independently develop research questions and experimental strategies within the agreed programme, supervise junior researchers, coordinate specialist laboratory activities and manage resources allocated to their workstream.

The postholder will establish and critically evaluate quantitative, recursive and in situ seed amplification assays [4-6]; integrate kinetic results with biochemical, structural, spatial and multi-omics findings; and lead high-quality scientific outputs. They will collaborate closely with the ASAP network, contribute to grant development and project reporting, and ensure rigorous research governance, reproducibility and timely open-science sharing, subject to consent and data-access requirements.

Please see the below 'Job Description' for further details on the responsibilities and selection criteria, as well as further information about the university and how to apply.

The post is full time for a fixed term until the 31st of March 2029 in the first instance.