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- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research in materials and devices for life sciences.
- Company: Join the innovative Ellison Institute of Technology, a leader in interdisciplinary science.
- Benefits: Enjoy enhanced holiday pay, private medical insurance, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health and technology while collaborating with top researchers.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and a passion for cross-disciplinary research.
- Other info: Dynamic, fast-paced environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Led by a world‑class faculty of scientists, technologists, policy makers, economists and entrepreneurs, the Ellison Institute of Technology aims to develop and deploy commercially sustainable solutions to solve some of humanity’s most enduring challenges. Our work is guided by four Humane Endeavours: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology; Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture; Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2; and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.
Set for completion in 2027, the EIT Campus in Littlemore will include more than 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, educational and gathering spaces. Fuelled by growing ambition and the strength of Oxford’s science ecosystem, EIT is now expanding its footprint to a 2 million sq ft Campus across the western part of The Oxford Science Park. Designed by Foster + Partners led by Lord Norman Foster, this will become a transformative workplace for up to 7,000 people, with autonomous laboratories, purpose‑built laboratories including a plant sciences building and dynamic spaces to spark interdisciplinary collaboration.
The vision for the Institute for Materials & Devices for Life Sciences (MDLS) at the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) is to advance human health by scaling interdisciplinary science at the interface of chemistry, biology and engineering. Led by Professor Hagan Bayley, it will house more than 100 researchers engaging in three interrelated endeavours: Nanopore Sensing and Sequencing, 3D Tissue Construction, and Device Engineering. The MDLS Institute will expand nanopore science to detect a wider range of biological molecules, including volatiles in human breath; in parallel, it will pioneer novel methods that integrate synthetic and living tissues into structures for organ repair. All research will be underpinned by the development of new devices capable of serving as powerful tools in clinical settings.
EIT Oxford fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, valuing diverse expertise to drive sustainable solutions to humanity’s enduring challenges. We are seeking ambitious and creative Postdoctoral Research Scientists to join the Materials & Devices for Life Sciences (MDLS) Institute at EIT Oxford. Our research focuses on developing nanopore technologies and powerful new devices to transform clinical and personal diagnostics, and the scalable development of personalised therapeutics through the exploration of both synthetic tissue‑like materials and living tissues prepared by 3D printing.
Scope of Work
- Nanopore technologies for small‑molecule diagnostics
- Single‑molecule technologies for biopolymer analysis
- Programmable membrane proteins for nanoscale transport and sensing
- Precision biomolecule processing for single‑molecule technologies
- 3D tissue engineering with stem cells
- Synthetic and hybrid tissue engineering
- Versatile nanopore devices for sensing, sequencing, and beyond
- Devices for advanced tissue engineering
As a Postdoctoral Research Scientist, you will design and conduct experiments addressing fundamental technological challenges, lead the development and refinement of emerging technologies, contribute to impactful scientific publications, and actively support the mentorship of junior researchers. Working at the intersection of chemistry, biology, physics, and engineering, you will play an integral role in shaping MDLS’s evolving vision to redefine the possibilities of biotechnology. MDLS offers a dynamic, collaborative, and well‑resourced environment, with access to advanced instrumentation, fabrication facilities, and an ecosystem of allied institutes working at the interface of technology and life sciences. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a research programme that is technique‑agnostic, impact‑driven, and unafraid to push boundaries.
We welcome candidates with a PhD in a relevant discipline and a strong record of research excellence. Enthusiasm for cross‑disciplinary research, curiosity‑driven problem solving, and the ambition to translate discoveries into real‑world applications are key.
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Completion of a PhD within a relevant field (e.g., chemical biology, organic chemistry, synthetic biology, computational chemistry or biology, materials science, human cell biology, physiology and pathology, biophysics, device engineering, biomedical engineering, nanoscience)
- Proven record of research achievements, including publications in high‑impact journals and presentations at international conferences
- Skill in data analysis and interpretation, with experience in one or more of the following areas desirable: single‑molecule techniques, protein engineering, bioorganic chemistry, stem cell and tissue culture, microfluidics, device design and fabrication, or computational modelling and analysis
- Proven ability to work independently, think creatively, and solve complex experimental problems
- Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify and resolve challenging technical issues
- Broad understanding of current developments in relevant fields and the ability to identify promising directions for future research and technology development
- Innovative thinking with a proactive approach to problem‑solving and scientific discovery
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience of collaboration in multidisciplinary teams
- Capacity to build and sustain productive collaborations internally and externally
- Resilience, adaptability, and enthusiasm for working in a fast‑paced, high‑growth research environment
Benefits
- Enhanced holiday pay
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Private Medical Insurance
- Hospital Cash Plan
- Therapy Services
- Perk Box
- Electrical Car Scheme
Why work for EIT
At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!
Terms of Appointment
- You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary
- You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford
- During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme
Postdoctoral Research Scientists - Materials & Devices for Life Sciences employer: Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford
Contact Detail:
Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Scientists - Materials & Devices for Life Sciences
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current researchers or alumni from the Ellison Institute. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get that interview, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research and how it aligns with the MDLS vision. Let them see your excitement!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on your knowledge of nanopore technologies and tissue engineering. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at EIT.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Scientists - Materials & Devices for Life Sciences
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Postdoctoral Research Scientist role. Highlight your relevant experience in materials science, device engineering, or any interdisciplinary research that aligns with our mission at EIT.
Showcase Your Research Achievements: Don’t hold back on sharing your research accomplishments! Include publications, presentations, and any innovative projects you've worked on. We love seeing how you’ve contributed to the scientific community.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your skills and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and how it relates to the work at the Ellison Institute. Be ready to discuss your past projects, publications, and how they align with their focus on interdisciplinary science.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role emphasises collaboration, come prepared with examples of how you've worked in multidisciplinary teams. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and build productive relationships with colleagues from different fields.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into your technical skills, especially around nanopore technologies and tissue engineering. Brush up on relevant techniques and be ready to discuss how you would tackle specific challenges in these areas.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of scenarios where you faced complex experimental problems and how you resolved them. Be ready to share your thought process and innovative approaches, as this will showcase your ability to thrive in a fast-paced research environment.
