Postdoctoral Researcher in Ovarian Biology

Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health. Level 3 Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU

We are seeking an ambitious Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Ovarian Biology to join Professor Suzannah Williams’ group at the University of Oxford.

Funded by Children with Cancer UK, the post will play a leading role in the project“Improving Fertility Preservation for Female Cancer Survivors,”which aims to develop improved fertility preservation approaches for girls undergoing cancer treatment.

Cancer therapies can have lasting effects on fertility, particularly for young patients who are unable to access established fertility preservation options. Using prepubertal sheep ovaries as a clinically relevant model, this project will investigate innovative approaches to ovarian tissue preconditioning, cryopreservation and post-thaw recovery, bringing together reproductive biology, cryobiology, molecular biology and mitochondrial biology.

You will take responsibility for delivering a programme of experimental research, leading the optimisation of ovarian tissue cryopreservation protocols and developing new methodologies to investigate mechanisms of cryopreservation injury and recovery. You will design, perform and interpret complex experiments examining follicle survival, mitochondrial function and tissue viability, and analyse quantitative biological datasets to refine experimental approaches.

Alongside your laboratory research, you will coordinate multiple experimental work streams, contribute new scientific ideas and help identify opportunities for future research and collaboration. You will prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, present findings at national and international meetings, and contribute to grant reports and future funding applications.

You will also have an important role within the wider research team, supervising and training junior researchers and students and collaborating with colleagues across Oxford with expertise in cryobiology, mitochondrial biology, reproductive medicine and metabolism.

You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in reproductive biology, developmental biology, cryobiology, cell biology, physiology, biomedical sciences or a closely related discipline, together with knowledge of ovarian biology and demonstrable laboratory-based research experience. You will have experience designing and managing independent research, analysing complex biological data and using relevant laboratory techniques. Evidence of scientific publication and/or presentation, excellent communication and organisational skills, and the ability to supervise or train junior researchers are also essential.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead innovative, translational research with the potential to improve future fertility options for girls and young women surviving cancer.

The post is fixed-term for up to 21 months.

Applications for flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

£39,424 to £47,779 per annum:
Research Grade 7