Research Assistant in Cell Reprogramming and Culture

The Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the research group of Professor Suzannah Williams. Professor Williams’ group investigates ovarian functions across a range of species including mouse, sheep, human, rhinoceros, and other endangered animals with the goal of developing fertility-preservation tools for both humans and threatened wildlife populations.

The successful applicant will contribute to the Poo Zoo initiative, a collaboration between Oxford, Revive & Restore and Chester Zoo, which aims to develop non-invasive viable cell sampling and biobanking methods for endangered species. This work will support global conservation efforts at a time when over one million species face extinction. The post holder will be involved in developing techniques to isolate, culture, reprogramme and cryopreserve faecally derived epithelial cells from multiple species including mice and endangered species housed at Chester Zoo. The aim is to achieve stable iPSC lines from fecally-derived epithelial cells. One ongoing challenge is cell attachment during culture, and Professor Williams’ group are exploring methods to do this.

You will hold a degree in a biological discipline with relevant experience. You will have knowledge of cell reprogramming or a clear willingness to learn. You should be able to contribute creative ideas to new research projects and work independently while also collaborating effectively within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team, balancing your own work with supporting the smooth running of the group.

This post is full-time and fixed-term for one year.

Applications for flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement: https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/cv-and-supporting-statement.

 The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 5th December 2025. Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 10th December, remotely via MS Teams. In addition, an in-person interview will later be held on Monday 15th December on Level 3 Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU.

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