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 to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join Prof Molly Stevens's lab at the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery. The Stevens Group is based at the Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics and is also part of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. The post-holder will develop next-generation fluorescent quantum nanomaterials for ultrasensitive point-of-care diagnostics. The post will liaise closely with researchers working on nanotechnology, biosensing, optics, and machine learning to develop an advanced point-of-care diagnostic platform with a strong translational emphasis. In this new role, we are looking for candidates with either expertise in the fabrication/synthesis of fluorescent materials (small molecules, polymers and/or nanomaterials) or a deep understand of the photophysics (e.g. triplet harvesting, singlet fission, FRET, DET) of such materials. The candidate will explore materials which have unique fluorescent properties (e.g. phosphorescence, TADF, microwave-modulated fluorescence) to enhance their performance as fluorescent biosensors. In this post, the researcher will be expected to work in a multi-disciplinary team to develop these materials for use in patient samples for the ultrasensitive detection of disease biomarkers. We are looking for a talented scientist with strong communication skills and a collaborative approach to working as part of a team.

The Stevens Group is based at the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and is also affiliated with the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. We are a multidisciplinary and diverse team with an active commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive environment for all researchers.

Key responsibilities:

Design, model and/or synthesise novel nanomaterials which aim to maximise brightness and stability in biological fluid.

Optimise materials for biomarker recognition through modification of the nanoparticle surface with proteins/nucleic acids.

Evaluate the performance of nanoparticles with model systems and patient samples.

Undertake the associated data analysis and interpretation, ensuring validity and reliability of data

at all times.

Help the other research staff in the daily management of the group laboratories.

Liaise with the other research staff and students working in broad areas of relevance to the research project and partner institutions.

Selection criteria:

Hold, or be near to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in materials science, chemistry, physics, nanotechnology, or related field.

Extensive experience in either of the following:

Organic or inorganic chemistry, particularly in the synthesis optically active small molecules/polymers/nanomaterials OR

Deep understanding of the theory behind optical phenomena - to inform the rational design of novel materials.

Experience in fluorescence characterisation techniques and data interpretation (PL, PLQY, TCSPC)


Refer to the for full details.

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 Friday 08 August.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 25 August, 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.