Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Cell-Material Interfacing

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. 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. 

Key responsibilities:

• Develop an automated pipeline for cell transfection with hybrid polymer- and lipid nanoparticles using pipetting robots
• Synthetise RNA and DNA molecules.
• Develop reporter cell lines to track biological processes of interest
• Investigate intracellular trafficking and immunogenicity of polymer and lipid nanoparticles.
• Establish cross-disciplinary protocols to incorporate the materials into biomedical applications
• Undertake the associated data analysis and interpretation
• Help the other research staff in the daily management of the group laboratories.
• Liaise with the others working in broad areas of relevance to the research project

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
• Experience in cell/biochemical assays
• Experience in molecular biology techniques
• Knowledge of drug delivery in vitro and in vivo models.

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 17^th October.

Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 29^th October, 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.

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