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
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 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 (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 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.
Selection criteria
- 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 responses to physical, chemical and biological cues.
- Demonstrated expertise in human or animal‑derived cell culture, including pluripotent stem cell culture where relevant, and the development or application of advanced biological model systems, such as 3D in vitro models, organoids, spheroids, engineered tissues, ex vivo systems and/or in vivo models.
- Strong experience in cell biology and functional characterisation of cellular and tissue phenotypes.
- Experience with a range of advanced characterisation techniques relevant to cell and tissue engineering, such as confocal microscopy, cell‑based assays, histology and cryosectioning, transcriptomics or related methodologies.
- Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations, with a proven track record of first‑author publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
What we offer
Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family‑friendly and financial benefits including:
- 38 days annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- 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 14 July 2026. Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 27 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.
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 biodiversity.
