Job Description

Contract & job type: Full-time, Fixed-term for 18 months

About us:

At the Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG) 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.

Overview of the role:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join Professor Dame Molly Stevens's lab at the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with strong expertise in biomaterials who is also a confident self-starter, a collaborative team player, and demonstrate a proven track record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.

In this role, you will be responsible for developing bioactive hybrid materials and evaluating their functionality using in vitro cell and organoid models to engineer regenerative tissue constructs for treatment of a broad range of disorders

This post is available from October 2025 for a fixed-term of 18 months, with the possibility of part-time appointments being considered.

Key responsibilities:

Develop and validate material platforms for interfacing and interrogating cell and organoid models

Develop a deep understanding of cell-material interactions using an array of characterisation techniques ( e.g. 2D and 3D tissue reconstruction, functional readouts [patch clamp, MEA, calcium imaging, omics])

Establish cross-disciplinary protocols to incorporate the materials into tissue or organ interfacing medical devices for neurotech

Contribute to the development and validation of a library of hybrid nanomaterials functionalised for targeting specialised cells working in collaboration with the team

Manage your own research activities, including administrative tasks associated with the project.

Actively participate in the multidisciplinary environment of the Stevens Group and collaborate with external research groups.

Selection criteria:

Hold, or be near to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in biomaterials, bioengineering, biology, chemistry, nanotechnology, or related field

Experience establishing and validating in vitro cell and organoid models

Extensive cell culture experience

Experience in cell-material interface characterisation techniques (e.g. 2D and 3D tissue morphology reconstruction, functional readouts [MEA, calcium imaging, omics])

Ability to work independently and manage your own research and administrative tasks.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

What we offer:

Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:
An excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days annual leave

A comprehensive range of childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle and electric car loan schemes

Employee Assistance Programme

Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans


While this is a full-time role, we welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

How to apply:

Please provide a supporting statement outlining how you meet the selection criteria along with your CV, and the details of two referees as part of your online application.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 15th September.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 29th September, and will be held on Microsoft Teams.
Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford.

Follow us:

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Bluesky and Instagram to learn more about our work and culture. Informal enquiries about the role may be directed to the DPAG HR Team: hr@dpag.ox.ac.uk

DPAG's Statement of Inclusion:

We, as a Department and Community, will be considerate and welcoming of all people, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socio-economic background. We acknowledge societal inequalities and how these impact us, and those around us, personally and professionally. Our policies, practices and Respectful Behaviours Framework underpin this commitment.

DPAG and Sustainability

We have signed up to The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) and Green Impact, actively implementing and encouraging eco-friendly practices that reduce waste, promote energy efficiency, and promote bio-diversity. See the job description for more detail.