Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Scientist - High-throughput formulations for nucleic acid delivery

Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU

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 Professor Dame 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.

We are looking for a drug delivery scientist with broad expertise on formulation and biological evaluation of materials for drug delivery. The post-holder will develop high-throughput (automated) methods for testing nucleic acid delivery in vitro. The post-holder will focus on evaluating transfection efficiency and investigating immunogenicity and intracellular trafficking of the tested nanomaterials. The post will liaise closely with researchers working within the fields of materials science, bioengineering, chemistry and biology. The successful candidate will engage with researchers in the Stevens Group and at partner institutions, requiring strong organisational skills and experience working on complex, multi-team projects.

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.

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

Key responsibilities:

Develop an automated pipeline for cell transfection with hybrid polymer- and lipid nanoparticles using pipetting robots and related equipment. Synthetise RNA and DNA molecules. Develop reporter cell lines to track biological processes of interest (e.g. endosomal escape). Investigate intracellular trafficking and immunogenicity of polymer and lipid nanoparticles. Establish cross-disciplinary protocols to incorporate the materials into biomedical applications in collaboration with other members of the research team. 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 bioengineering, materials science, nanotechnology or related field. Experience in the formulation of polymer/lipid nanoparticles for drug delivery. Experience in in vitro cell culture of different cell types, and 3D models (e.g. spheroids) Experience in cell/biochemical assays including viability assays, SDS-PAGE & Western blot, qRT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, transwell assays, ELISA, FACS, confocal microscopy, live cell imaging, high-content imaging. Experience in molecular biology techniques (cloning, DNA sequencing, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing etc.) Knowledge of drug delivery in vitro and in vivo models.

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 17 October 2025.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 27 October 2025, 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, X 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.