Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Contract & Job Type: Fixed-term for 12 months 

Clinical Feasibility Study of a Rapid, Point-of-Care Urinary Test for Detecting Intravascular Haemolysis

Sherrington Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT

About Us

The Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG) is a world-leading centre for discovery science, bridging molecular, cellular, tissue and systems-level physiology. Our research connects physical and life sciences and drives translational medicine. We are committed to excellence in research and teaching, while fostering an inclusive, collaborative and supportive environment.

Role Overview

Red blood cells (RBCs) circulate through every vascularised tissue and face mechanical, chemical and immunological stresses. When damaged beyond repair, they rupture—a process known as intravascular haemolysis, which signals diverse disease triggers affecting hundreds of thousands in the UK and millions worldwide. Current diagnostic tests rely on blood sampling and complex laboratory assays, limiting frequent monitoring and accessibility in low-resource settings.

Our team has identified carbonic anhydrase 1 (CA1), a protein specific to RBCs, as a urinary biomarker of haemolysis. Building on this discovery, we have developed a lateral-flow device (LFD) that enables rapid, point-of-care testing without blood draws or specialist equipment. This innovation could transform haemolysis monitoring in clinics and at home.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join a clinical feasibility study evaluating this device in adults with sickle cell disease—a population with high haemolysis burden and unmet diagnostic needs. The project will involve recruiting participants, manufacturing sensitivity-tuned LFDs, and comparing results with laboratory assays and standard blood markers. You will contribute to study delivery, data analysis, and device optimisation, working closely with clinical teams and our industrial partner, Camtech Innovations.

The ideal candidate will hold (or be near completion of) a PhD/DPhil in physiology, biomedical sciences or a related field, with strong laboratory skills, experience handling biological samples, and an interest in translational research. Excellent organisational and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively across academia, NHS and industry.

What We Offer

We provide an excellent contributory pension scheme, 38 days annual leave, family-friendly policies, childcare support, cycle and electric car loan schemes, and access to social and sports clubs. Flexible working arrangements are considered.

Closing date: 12 noon, 05 January 2026

Interviews: Week commencing 19 January 2026 (via MS Teams)

Applications are particularly welcome from women and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts at Oxford.

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