"Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Biotechnology"

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join a project developing robotic tools for long term directed evolution of microbes. The project team includes experts in biotechnology, mechanical engineering, software, and robotics. The candidate will have a broad remit to take leadership roles in the research team, including by co-designing new research questions and defining application domains. They will also have opportunities to provide guidance to other members of the project group (such as PhD and collaborating Postdoctoral Researchers), and to present their work at conferences and other meetings.

About you

We are seeking ambitious candidates that hold a PhD/DPhil (or are near completion) in fields relevant to the project. To succeed in the role, it is essential that candidates have direct experience in the design, build, software development, and experimental application of robotic tools for automated long-term evolution of microbes.

What we offer

At the university of Oxford your happiness and wellbeing at work is important to us. We have a number of generous benefits including 38 days' annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and fixed closure days), generous pension schemes and free access to the Oxford colleges. The other benefits include:

• Travel - We have several travel schemes available for staff which promote sustainable modes of transport.
• Family friendly benefits - We aim to be a family-friendly employer and offer a range of flexible working options. We have some of the most generous family leave provision in the Higher Education sector.
• Sports – We have several schemes to help you stay fit and healthy, including discounted membership of the university sports centre on the Iffley Road
• Personal and professional development - We actively encourage all staff to participate in planning their personal and professional development and provide a broad range of opportunities to enable them to reach their full potential.
• University club - All staff are entitled to free membership of the University Club. It offers social and hospitality facilities, a small gym and exercise classes.
• Staff discounts - University staff can access shopping discounts in several ways; by purchasing a TOTUM card, by showing an employee pass in selected local stores, or online by using any of the listed discount codes
• Childcare services - We offer excellent childcare services including five University nurseries as well as University-supported places at other local private nurseries.

How to apply

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system and should include the covering letter/supporting statement (describing how you meet the criteria), a CV, and names of two academic references.

The position is a fixed-term post available for 8 months.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 06 March 2026.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Harrison Steel: Harrison.steel@eng.ox.ac.uk

Further information can be found at http://www.eng.ox.ac.uk/jobs/home

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford. The Department is committed to equality and valuing diversity and holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting gender equality in academia. The University is a Living Wage Employer, holds an Athena Swan Silver Award, an HR Excellence in Research and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award and is a Stonewall Diversity Champion. Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we seek to create a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through our EDI Committee, working groups and networks, for example eng.ox.ac.uk/women-in-engineering, as well as a number of family friendly policies.

Location: Department of Engineering Science, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PJ

Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 7

Salary: £39,424 - £47,779 per annum

Vacancy ID: 184964