Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Translational Therapeutics
Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery
Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU
Contract & job type: Full-time, Fixed-term for 18 months
About us:
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.
Overview of the role:
We are seeking to appoint an outstanding and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Translational Therapeutics to join Professor Dame Molly Stevens’s laboratory at the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford. The postholder will develop novel biomaterial-based platforms for therapeutic delivery and cell-supportive applications, with a focus on advancing promising technologies towards early-stage translation and commercialisation. They will investigate how cells interact with engineered microenvironments and biomaterials, generating robust biological and translational evidence to support the development of next-generation therapeutic strategies.
The Stevens Group (www.stevensgroup.org) 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.
Key responsibilities:
- Develop and optimise biomaterial-enabled therapeutic delivery approaches, including hands-on design, formulation, characterisation, and biological evaluation to maintain cell viability, phenotype, and function in relevant therapeutic contexts.
- Establish and run translationally relevant experimental models, including in vitro and ex vivo systems, to assess therapeutic performance, mechanism of action, safety, tissue compatibility, and feasibility for further development.
- Generate and curate high-quality translational evidence packages that support go/no-go decisions, translational funding applications, invention disclosures and patent filings, strategic partnerships, and commercial development.
- Manage the early de-risking of emerging therapeutic delivery applications by identifying key scientific, technical, regulatory, manufacturability, and clinical adoption risks, and by developing practical plans to address them on the path towards translation and commercialisation.
- Undertake the associated data analysis and interpretation, ensuring validity and reliability of data at all times.
- See Job Description for a full list of responsibilities.
Selection criteria:
- Hold, or be close to completing, a PhD/DPhil in bioengineering, biomedical sciences, biomaterials, biochemistry, biophysics, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated in-depth experience with one or more therapeutic delivery approaches, such as biomaterials, nanoparticles, lipid or polymeric systems, targeted delivery systems, or related platform technologies.
- Strong practical experience in cell biology and cell culture, including the design and execution of cell-based experiments.
- Experience with advanced characterisation techniques relevant to cells, biomaterials, and delivery systems, such as confocal microscopy, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, rheology, materials characterisation, and cell-based assays.
- Ability to generate, analyse, and interpret high-quality experimental datasets that support research progression, translational decision-making, funding applications, invention disclosures, partnerships, or commercial development.
- Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations, with a proven track record of first author publications in peer reviewed journals.
- See Job Description for a full list of criteria.
What we offer:
Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Cycle and electric car loan schemes
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
While this is a full-time role, we welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
How to apply:
Please submit:
- A CV including publications, relevant technical projects, and links to representative code repositories, preprints or other technical outputs (e.g. GitHub, GitLab or personal website), highlighting your contributions where appropriate.
- A 1-page statement describing your previous work, relevant experience, and future research interests in AI for scientific discovery and/or biomedical research.
- The contact details of two referees.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday 7 July 2026.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 20 July 2026, and will be held on Microsoft Teams.
Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford.
Follow us:
Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Bluesky and Instagram to learn more about our work and culture. Informal enquiries about the role may be directed to the DPAG HR Team:
[email protected]DPAG’s Statement of Inclusion:
We, as a Department and Community, will be considerate and welcoming of all people, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socio-economic background. We acknowledge societal inequalities and how these impact us, and those around us, personally and professionally. Our policies, practices and Respectful Behaviours Framework underpin this commitment.
DPAG and Sustainability:
We have signed up to The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) and Green Impact, actively implementing and encouraging eco-friendly practices that reduce waste, promote energy efficiency, and promote bio-diversity. See the job description for more detail.
