Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct innovative research on surface and membrane science to advance cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Join Oxford Nanopore Technologies, a leader in molecular analysis with global impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, private healthcare, and a generous pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in science while working in a beautiful, inspiring environment.
- Qualifications: PhD in Surface Science or related field, with 3-5 years of industry experience.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Social network you want to login/join with:
Research Scientist (Surface Science), Oxford
col-narrow-left
Client:
Oxford Nanopore Technologies
Location:
Oxford, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
–
EU work permit required:
Yes
col-narrow-right
Job Reference:
43befba6802f
Job Views:
8
Posted:
12.08.2025
Expiry Date:
26.09.2025
col-wide
Job Description:
Oxford Nanopore Technologies: Our goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere.
The company has developed a new generation of nanopore-based sensing technology for faster, information rich, accessible and affordable molecular analysis.
The first application is DNA/RNA sequencing, and the technology is in development for the analysis of other types of molecules including proteins.
The technology is used to understand and characterise the biology of humans and diseases such as cancer, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses, and whole environments.
With a thriving culture of ambition and strong innovation goals, Oxford Nanopore is a UK headquartered company with global operations and customers in more than 125 countries!
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated, self-directed and analytical individual to join Oxford Nanopore as a Research Scientist of Surface and Membrane Science.
This lab-based role is diverse and extends across all ONT’s platforms and would be highly suited to a creative, inquisitive, and motivated scientist with a strong expertise in biophysical chemistry of membranes, colloids/emulsions and interfaces, chemical modification of surfaces, selective surface wetting and de-wetting, and with a keen interest in their practical applications.
The successful candidate will design experiments, analyse data and communicate the results on projects to the project lead and other key stakeholders. You will work as part of a team, interfacing with other groups within the organization.
You will have a PhD and/or proven industrial experience in the field of physical chemistry of surfaces and interfaces/thin films to support the continuous innovation of all aspects of membrane and sensor chip chemistry which are at the core of our technology. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment, be highly organised, flexible and possess the ability to efficiently manage multiple projects simultaneously with excellent communication and inter-personal skills.
Key responsibilities include:
To perform research on various aspects of our platform chemistry working closely with other team members and stakeholders. Responsibilities may include management of junior team members, subject to experience.
Duties
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Surfaces and interfaces modificationand characterisation, e.g. microscopy, LB, DLS, QCM-D, AFM, SEM, etc
- Optimising protocols of membrane formation, e.g. IFT, contact angles, etc
- Electrophysiology testing
- Data analysis, recording, reporting and interpreting experimental results
- Transfer processes and documentation to other departments
- Ensure work being undertaken, either by yourself or as line manager to others meets company H&S requirements
- Any other duties as might be required within the remit and responsibilities of the post
What We\’re Looking For…
We\’ll expect you to have a PhD in Surface Science, Biophysics, Materials Chemistry or related field or MSc in Physics or Chemistry and 3-5 years of relevant experience in industry
In addition, you are someone creative, self-directed and analytical, able to propose research ideas and to contribute to R&D towards team’s goals and objectives . You have the capacity to analyse, interpret and present data in a clear and concise manner and are using your outstanding communication and networking skills (both written and oral) with internal and external stakeholders. You are curious and passionate about science. You have a helpful, can-do attitude and are a great teammate.
We offer outstanding benefits to include an attractive bonus, generous pension contributions, private healthcare and an excellent starting salary. Based within beautiful, landscaped surroundings with tree-lined walks, water features and a lake, all of which make for a wonderful working environment.
If you are looking to utilise your skills to really make a difference to humankind, then consider joining our team and apply today!
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Scientist (Surface Science) employer: Oxford Nanopore Technologies
Contact Detail:
Oxford Nanopore Technologies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Scientist (Surface Science)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Oxford Nanopore on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into their technology. Understand nanopore-based sensing and how it applies to surface science. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also passionate about their mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for behavioural questions. We need to highlight our past experiences effectively, showing how our skills align with what they’re looking for in a Research Scientist.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and shows our enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Scientist (Surface Science)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Scientist role. Highlight your experience in surface science and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our innovative goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for biophysical chemistry and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that showcase your creativity and analytical skills.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since communication is key in our collaborative environment, make sure to demonstrate your ability to present data clearly in your application. Use concise language and structure your thoughts logically to impress us!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at Oxford Nanopore!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Nanopore Technologies
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of surface science and biophysical chemistry. Be ready to discuss specific techniques like microscopy or AFM, and how they relate to the role. Showing that you understand the practical applications of your expertise will impress the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical skills and creativity. Think of examples from your past work where you designed experiments or solved complex problems. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with others, be prepared to talk about your teamwork experiences. Highlight instances where you collaborated with different departments or mentored junior team members. This will demonstrate your ability to fit into their collaborative culture.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex scientific concepts in simple terms. You might need to present your research ideas or findings during the interview, so clarity is key. Good communication skills will show that you can effectively share your insights with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.