Postdoctoral Scientist in Human Islet Isolation and Transplantation

Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, OCDEM, Churchill Hospital Site, Headington, Oxford

Contract type: Fixed term until 30 September 2025 in the first instance

About the role

We are looking for an enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Scientist to be based in the DRWF Human Islet Isolation Facility at the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism (OCDEM), Churchill Hospital. Funded by the NHS, through Highly Specialised Services, the successful candidate will be appointed as a senior member of the Human Islet Isolation team. The Islet Facility operates as part of the NHS commissioned UK Nationwide Human Islet Isolation programme, producing GMP grade human islets for transplantation, under regulation of the Human Tissue Authority. In addition to taking part in human pancreatic islet isolation and transplantation, the successful candidate will play a lead role in the Group’s Translational Research programme, the platforms of which have the overall aim of optimising islet isolation and transplantation to reach our ultimate goal of reversing diabetes in children soon after diagnosis.  The cutting-edge bench-to-bedside research have resulted in the Oxford Islet Transplant Research Group holding international standing amongst the islet isolation and transplantation communities.

About you 

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in a Biological Sciences discipline and have research interests that align with an aspect of the Group’s own research portfolio (which include the optimisation of islet isolation, islet culture and islet transplantation, along with general islet biology/physiology within this context). Prior experience in supervising more junior members of staff is essential for this role. Experience in an aspect of human islet isolation and transplantation would be highly advantageous, but full training will be provided. In addition, working knowledge of Human Tissue Authority Regulations, in relation to the Human Application Sector, would be beneficial. You need to be able to work well in a team, carry out tasks with accuracy, and take a flexible approach to your workload. Participation in the out of hours on-call islet isolation rota is essential for this role. You will receive a standby payment at 6% of the basic salary for on-call work.

Application Process

This full-time post is available immediately and is fixed-term to 30th September 2025 in the first instance. Informal enquires are welcome, and should be addressed to Dr Rebecca Spiers, Manager of the Oxford Human Islet Isolation Facility, tel: 01865 857507 or email: Rebecca.spiers@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 NDSA931C on all correspondence.

Only applications received before noon on Friday 8 November 2024 can be considered. Interviews will be held on Monday 18 November 2024.

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