Postdoctoral Scientist - Respiratory Medicine

About the Role

This role is based in Radcliffe Department of Medicine and the role reports to Professor James Chalmers (Rhodes Professor of Experimental Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology).

Prof. James Chalmers at the University of Oxford specialises in translational and clinical research on respiratory diseases, including bronchiectasis, COPD and pneumonia, with a focus on immunology, infection, mucociliary clearance, disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. As a postdoctoral scientist, you will work within a multidisciplinary team of researchers, medical professionals, study coordinators and collaborators to deliver studies with direct patient impact.

The postholder will lead projects investigating the mechanisms of mucus hypersecretion in bronchiectasis. The project is designed to facilitate drug development targeting mucus hypersecretion, a key driver of disease morbidity and mortality in chronic lung disease. The postdoctoral researcher will focus on cellular disease modelling to progress our understanding of disease pathogenesis. Key techniques will include air liquid interface airway cultures, primary live imaging, immunofluorescence, immune and epithelial cell culture, qPCR and ELISA. The postholder will drive innovation by developing new ideas and facilitating the adoption of cutting-edge developments and technologies within the group.

The successful candidate will be responsible for directing their research programme, including the development of research project protocols and objectives, and for initiating new lines of research.

This post is full-time and fixed term for 2 years

The post is only available as full-time on-site.

About you

To be considered for this position you should;

• Hold a relevant PhD/Dphil, or close to completion, together with relevant experience in cellular disease models and imaging.
• Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes.
• Capable of interpretation of raw data, statistical analysis, assembly into summary reports and presentation to staff.
• Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities including project management and responsible budget management.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple projects both as a project lead and to projects led by other team members including students and other post-docs, effectively managing parallel workloads and to meet deadlines within the team.
• Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations.
• Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.
• Proven ability to build positive working relationships and contribute effectively to a team environment.

About the Radcliffe Department of Medicine (RDM)

The Radcliffe Department of Medicine (RDM) within the Medical Sciences Division is one of the largest departments in the University of Oxford. RDM is a multi-disciplinary department which aims to tackle some of the world’s biggest health challenges by integrating innovative basic biology with cutting edge clinical research.

Benefits of working

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• 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

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application.

Only applications received before 12:00 midday on Wednesday 12/08/2026 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

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