At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative therapeutic delivery systems and conduct cutting-edge research in a dynamic lab.
- Company: Join the prestigious Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery at the University of Oxford.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, excellent pension, and various employee support programmes.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and contributions to impactful publications.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in translational therapeutics and advance your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD/DPhil in relevant fields with strong experience in therapeutic delivery and cell biology.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
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.
Responsibilities
- Develop and optimise biomaterial‑enabled therapeutic delivery approaches, including hands‑on design, formulation, characterisation, and biological evaluation to maintain cell viability, phenotype, and function in relevant therapeutic contexts.
- 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.
Qualifications
- 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 one or more therapeutic delivery approaches, such as biomaterials, nanoparticles, lipid or polymeric systems, targeted delivery systems, or related platform technologies.
- 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, such as confocal microscopy, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, rheology, materials characterisation, and cell‑based assays.
- Ability to generate, analyse, and interpret high‑quality experimental datasets that support research progression, 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.
Benefits
- Excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days annual leave
- 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
Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Translational Therapeutics in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
The University of Oxford offers an exceptional work environment for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Translational Therapeutics, characterised by a commitment to innovation and excellence in research. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative culture, employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, generous leave policies, and a supportive community that values work-life balance. Located in the historic city of Oxford, the university provides a vibrant atmosphere enriched with cultural and recreational activities, making it an ideal place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Translational Therapeutics in Oxford
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like University of Oxford. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like University of Oxford!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Translational Therapeutics in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show University of Oxford that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at University of Oxford.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that University of Oxford does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at University of Oxford. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into University of Oxford's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at University of Oxford. This shows your passion for the industry!