Postdoctoral Researcher

Department of Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, OX3 7DQ, Headington, Oxford

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join Professor Ester Hammond’s research team as a short-term postdoctoral researcher. Prof Hammond’s well-established team is renowned for their mechanistic insight into the biological response to conditions of insufficient oxygen (hypoxia) which are commonly found in solid tumours. Hypoxia predicts for poor patient prognosis due to increased aggressiveness and resistance to standard therapies. The groups’ ultimate goal is to translate their findings into improved patient care.

The available position is to support on-going projects focused on hypoxia-mediated changes to RNA binding proteins in the context of paediatric high-grade gliomas. The successful candidate will manage their own research and administrative activities, adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols, test hypotises and analyse scientific data, and contribute ideas for new research projects. The role also involves collaboration with colleagues across partner institutions and research groups.

This post is based at the Old Road Campus Research Building, OX3 7DQ, and is offered on a full-time fixed term basis for nine months.

About you

You will hold a relevant PhD/DPhil (or be close to completion), together with relevant experience and have a first-author publication related to cancer biology, or clear evidence that this will be achieved.

You will possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes. For example, knowledge of cancer biology, hypoxia-mediated biology, RNA biology and the tumour micro-environment. Experience of viability assays, western blotting, qRT-PCR, IHC/immunofluorescence, RNA-binding assays, R-loop assays, northern blotting, radiobiology, RNA sequencing analysis and FACS is essential.

You will have excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings. You will be able to manage your own academic research and associated activities, contribute ideas for new research projects, and support research income generation. Knowledge of and previous experience of working in brain tumour research would be advantageous.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

Application Process

If you would like to discuss this role, please contact Ester Hammond at ester.hammond@oncology.ox.ac.uk.

You will be required to upload a supporting statement (setting out how you meet the selection criteria), a curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application.

Only applications received before 12:00PM on Monday, 27th July 2026 can be considered.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

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