At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct cutting-edge research in mathematical modelling of osteoarthritis.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of Oxford's Mathematical Institute.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for teaching.
- Other info: Collaborate with leading experts and contribute to high-impact publications.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare through innovative research.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and strong mathematical modelling skills.
The predicted salary is between 41636 - 46049 £ per year.
We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with Professor Helen Byrne at the Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford. This is a three-year, fixed-term position, funded by the GSK-Imperial-Oxford Modelling-Informed Medicine Centre (MiMeC). The post is available to start immediately.
The successful candidate will be a member of the Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology in the Mathematical Institute. They will have responsibility for carrying out research involving mathematical modelling of osteoarthritis as part of the MiMeC Osteoarthritis research theme. This theme is led by Professors Helen Byrne and Tonia Vincent in Oxford, in close collaboration with Dr Grant Generaux at GSK, and supported by Professor Philip Maini (Oxford), Prabhakar Pandian (GSK) and John Kreeger (GSK).
The role will involve the development of mathematical models to inform pharmaceutical intervention strategies for osteoarthritis. Initially, the postdoctoral researcher will develop a multiscale model describing the response of chondrocytes to mechanical and biochemical stimuli. This model will integrate established subcellular signalling pathways that regulate switching between homeostatic and mechano-activated chondrocyte phenotypes, and will be validated against existing datasets as well as experimental data generated by Professor Vincent’s group at the Kennedy Institute for Rheumatology. In the longer term, the cellular model will be embedded within a pericellular niche to investigate the co-evolution of chondrocyte phenotype and microenvironment during osteoarthritis progression and in response to treatment.
The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the research and scholarly activities of the Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology and write up the results of their work for publication in leading, peer-reviewed journals. There will be opportunities to contribute a small amount of teaching to the department, of at most three hours per week during the academic terms.
We proudly hold a departmental Athena SWAN Silver Award and an institutional Race Equality Charter Bronze Award.
Please direct informal enquiries to the HR Administrator (email: recruitment@maths.ox.ac.uk), quoting vacancy reference 187341.
Please note: Applicants are responsible for asking two referees to send their reference letters directly to references@maths.ox.ac.uk by the closing date. Full details are contained in the job description.
Only applications received before 12.00 noon UK time on Friday 31 July 2026 can be considered. Online interviews are anticipated to take place on the 28 August 2026.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mathematical Modelling of Osteoarthritis in Oxford employer: Institute for Modern
The University of Oxford offers an exceptional work environment for the Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mathematical Modelling of Osteoarthritis, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within the prestigious Mathematical Institute. Employees benefit from access to cutting-edge research facilities, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, as evidenced by our Athena SWAN Silver Award. Located in the historic city of Oxford, this role not only provides a chance to contribute to impactful research but also to engage with a vibrant academic community.
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