Job Description

THIS IS A READVERTISEMENT, PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY

Location: Tumour evolution and cell identity laboratory, Old Road Campus Research Building

Contract type: Fixed term until 30th September 2031

Hours: Full-time

About the role

We are looking for an enthusiastic post-doctoral scientist to work in our research team. You will be based in the Old Road Campus Research Building as your normal place of work.

You will join the SMOC (Stem cell signatures of Mutational Order in Colorectal Cancer) study, a Cancer Research UK-funded programme led from the University of Oxford. The project aims to uncover how the sequence of genetic mutations in colorectal cancer drives changes in stem cell identity, epigenetics, tumour-microenvironment interactions, and therapy response.

You will lead the wet lab and analytic components of the SMOC study, including the generation, culture, and gene editing of patient derived and engineered organoids. This will include establishing and optimising organoid derivation workflows, CRISPR based editing, and quality control assays. You will oversee multiomic and phenotypic profiling of these organoids, including bulk and single cell RNA sequencing, ATAC sequencing, DNA methylation profiling, and proteomics, integrated with high content live cell imaging datasets. You will develop pipelines that connect genotype, transcriptome, epigenome, and morphodynamic phenotypes, and apply these to investigate how mutational order influences stem cell identity, heterogeneity, and therapy response.

The role offers extensive opportunities for collaborative and interdisciplinary science, working closely with experimental biologists, computational modelers, and clinical partners. You will be positioned to drive mechanistic insights and translational applications, with the chance to lead high-profile publications.

About you

You will hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in molecular biology, genomics, cancer biology, bioinformatics, or a related field. You will bring strong experience in single-cell and/or bulk multiomic technologies, with skills in data analysis and interpretation. Bench competency with tissue culture (2D and 3D) and associated molecular analyses (DNA/RNA/Protein). Familiarity with colorectal cancer biology, epigenetics, or advanced imaging/phenotyping would be an advantage.

You will have a strong publication record, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work across disciplines. A collaborative mindset and the drive to integrate complex data into novel biological insights will be key.

This full-time/part-time post is available immediately fixed term for six years in the first instance.

Application Process

If you would like to discuss this role please contact Prof. Simon Buczacki simon.buczacki@nds.ox.ac.uk

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a supporting statement, setting out how you meet the selection criteria, curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application. Please quote reference NDSA967B on all correspondence.

Only applications received before noon Wednesday 14 January 2026 can be considered.

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 27 January 2026.

Committed to equality and valuing diversity
We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.