Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Cell Biology

Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Cell Biology

Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU

The Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery (Kavli INsD), established in March 2021, brings together over 30 faculty and 450 researchers across disciplines to tackle global health challenges. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and providing cutting‑edge facilities, it encourages innovation and shared discovery, and benefits from the close proximity of the scientific departments as well as advanced imaging and characterisation facilities and state‑of‑the‑art instrumentation.

At the Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG) we undertake discovery science where we reassemble physiological processes at the molecular, cellular, tissue and systems level of organisation. In so doing we provide a bridge to translational medicine, and interface between physical and life sciences. We are committed not only to innovative research and the highest standard of teaching, but also to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment.

We are seeking to appoint an outstanding and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Cell Biology to join Professor Dame Molly Stevens’s laboratory at the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford. The postholder will develop novel cell biology‑based experimental platforms, including 3D in vitro, ex vivo and/or in vivo models, for disease modelling and advanced therapeutic applications. They will investigate how cells interact with engineered microenvironments and biomaterials, generating fundamental biological insights to better understand human disease and enable the development of next‑generation therapeutic strategies.

The Stevens Group ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) is internationally recognised for pioneering research in biomaterials and regenerative medicine. The laboratory brings together expertise across materials science, chemistry, biology, bioengineering and medicine to tackle major challenges in human health through highly interdisciplinary research. The successful candidate will join a vibrant and collaborative research environment, working closely with researchers across the University of Oxford and partner institutions to advance innovative approaches in disease modelling, regenerative medicine and translational biotechnology.

The lab is strategically affiliated with both the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and the Institute of Biomedical Engineering within the Department of Engineering Science.

• Develop and apply novel cell biology‑based experimental platforms, including 3D in vitro, ex vivo and/or in vivo models, for disease modelling and advanced therapeutic applications.
• Investigate cell–material interactions, including cellular responses to physical, chemical and biological cues, mechanotransduction, and translate findings into the rational design of improved biomaterials, bioelectronic interfaces and therapeutic strategies.
• Develop, optimise and implement experimental and characterisation protocols to gain mechanistic insights into cell behaviour, tissue development and cell–material interactions.
• Provide scientific input and feedback from a cell biology perspective to support the design, interpretation and development of related projects, including biomaterials, bioelectronics and advanced therapeutic applications.
• Undertake the associated data analysis and interpretation, ensuring validity and reliability of data at all times.
• Support the operation and management of shared cell culture facilities, providing training, technical expertise and guidance to other laboratory users as required.

• Hold, or be close to completing, a PhD/DPhil in cell biology, stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, biomedical sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated in‑depth understanding of cell biology, including cellular behaviour, phenotype, signalling, differentiation and…