Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Nanomedicine Formulation for Drug Delivery and Advanced Nucleic-acid Based Therapeutics

About us:
The Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery (Kavli INsD), established in 2021, brings together over 30 faculty and 450 researchers to address global health challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. The Institute provides access to advanced imaging, characterisation facilities, and state-of-the-art instrumentation, supporting innovation and shared discovery.

The Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG) undertakes discovery science to understand physiological processes from molecular and cellular levels through to tissues and whole systems. It bridges physical and life sciences and supports translational medicine. DPAG is committed to excellence in research and teaching, alongside fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

Role overview:
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join Professor Dame Molly Stevens’s research group. The Stevens Group operates across disciplines, enabling highly collaborative research. The lab is based at Kavli INsD and affiliated with DPAG and the Institute of Biomedical Engineering within the Department of Engineering Science.

We are looking for a drug delivery scientist with expertise in formulation and physicochemical and biological evaluation of nanoparticle carriers for nucleic acid and small molecule delivery. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of structure–function relationships in delivery systems.

This post is available immediately, with part-time or flexible working arrangements considered.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and optimise lipid and polymer nanoparticle delivery systems (e.g. LNPs, polyplexes, lipid–polymer hybrids)
• Perform formulation characterisation and stability studies (e.g. size, charge, encapsulation, release kinetics)
• Conduct in vitro delivery and functional assays, including transfection and protein expression
• Support translation-focused optimisation, including mucosal delivery, immune compatibility, and scalability
• Analyse and interpret data, ensuring high standards of validity and reliability
• Manage research activities, including planning and administration
• Contribute to the collaborative environment of the Stevens Group and engage with external partners

Selection criteria:

• PhD/DPhil (or near completion) in bioengineering, biomedical sciences, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field
• Experience formulating lipid or polymer nanoparticle systems for therapeutic delivery
• Experience with nanoparticle characterisation techniques (e.g. DLS, FCS, flow cytometry, microscopy, SANS/SAXS, cryoTEM)
• Strong understanding of structure–function relationships in delivery systems
• Experience in cell-based transfection assays and delivery evaluation
• Evidence of research outputs, including first-author publications

What we offer:

• Contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• Childcare services and family leave schemes
• Cycle-to-work and electric car loan schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Social and sports clubs
• Discounted travel and season ticket loans

Flexible working options are supported.

How to apply:

Submit a CV, a supporting statement addressing the selection criteria, and details of two referees.

Deadline: 12 noon, Tuesday 19 May 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 01 June (via Microsoft Teams)

Applications are encouraged from women and candidates from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, who are under-represented in academic posts at Oxford.

For informal enquiries, contact: hr@dpag.ox.ac.uk

Inclusion & Sustainability:

DPAG is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all, supported by its Respectful Behaviours Framework . The department also promotes sustainability through initiatives such as LEAF and Green Impact.

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