At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative biomaterial platforms for therapeutic delivery and cell-supportive applications.
- Company: Join the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery at the University of Oxford.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, childcare support, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; we encourage diverse applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in translational therapeutics and advance promising technologies.
- Qualifications: PhD/DPhil in bioengineering or related field with experience in therapeutic delivery.
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.
Key responsibilities:
- Develop and optimise biomaterial‑enabled therapeutic delivery approaches, including hands‑on design, formulation, characterisation, and biological evaluation.
- 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.
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 therapeutic delivery approaches.
- 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.
- Ability to generate, analyse, and interpret high‑quality experimental datasets, 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.
What we offer:
- We provide a supportive working environment and comprehensive benefits:
- Contributory pension scheme
- 38 days annual leave
- Childcare support & family leave
- Cycle & electric car schemes
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Social & sports club membership
- Discounted travel schemes
How to apply:
Please submit a CV, supporting statement addressing the selection criteria. We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part‑time working/other flexible arrangements.
Closing date 12 noon, 07 July 2026
Interviews Week commencing 20 July 2026 (via Microsoft Teams)
Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates who are under‑represented in academic posts in Oxford.
£39,424 to £47,779 per annum. Grade 7
Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Translational Therapeutics in Oxford employer: Economicsnetwork
The Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery at the University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among over 450 researchers. With access to cutting-edge facilities and a commitment to employee growth through innovative research and comprehensive benefits, including generous annual leave and childcare support, it provides a unique opportunity for Postdoctoral Research Scientists to contribute to meaningful advancements in translational therapeutics.
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