Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Devices for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Management

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join Professor Malavika Nair’s research group at the Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering (Botnar Research Centre, Headington, Oxford). The post is funded by the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Community Healthcare and is fixed-term for up to 18 months.

The project focuses on the design, development, and clinical evaluation of next-generation pelvic floor support devices for the management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Current pessary devices are associated with challenges including discomfort, pain, and expulsion, highlighting the need for evidence-based innovation to improve device performance, patient adherence, and long-term outcomes.

You will be responsible for contributing to needs assessment and problem definition using clinician and patient feedback; supporting the design, prototyping, and evaluation of device concepts; assisting in the development of models for prototype evaluation; analysing prototype viability and manufacturability; conducting literature reviews; and supporting collaboration with engineers, clinicians, materials scientists, patients, and industry partners. Additional responsibilities include contributing to publications and presentations, supporting new research proposals, participating in collaborative projects, and representing the research group at meetings and seminars.

You should possess a relevant PhD/DPhil (or be near completion) in biomedical, electrical, or mechanical engineering, materials science, or a related discipline, together with relevant research experience. Applicants should demonstrate knowledge of mechanical testing principles, prototype development and validation, strong communication skills, evidence of research achievement, and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams. Experience in medical device design, translational research, and collaboration with clinicians or industry partners would be advantageous.