Postdoctoral Research Assistant

University of Oxford - Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences

Location:	Oxford
Salary:	£39,424 to £41,636 per annum. Grade 07RS
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 10th April 2026
Closes: 29th April 2026
Job Ref: 185641

Spatial multi-omics in prostate cancer

Location: Botnar Research Centre (with travel to other sites locally)

Contract type: Fixed term for 20 months

About the role

We are seeking an enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join the Rao and Mills groups, applying novel multi-omics and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to study high risk prostate cancer. Our ultimate goal is to improve prostate cancer diagnosis and prognosis by identifying features of aggressiveness early.

Reporting to Dr. Srinivasa Rao and Prof. Ian Mills, the post-holder will be a member of the Rao and Mills research groups with responsibility for the provision of research support for all aspects of the projects involving spatial genomic and/or transcriptomic profiling of biopsy samples. Working independently within a collaborative environment, you will also be expected to provide general administrative support to the Principal Investigators as required.

You will be responsible for carrying out a variety of multi-omic assays (spatial genomics, spatial transcriptomics), and maintaining competency according to local procedures. You will have the skills to determine the most appropriate methodologies to test hypotheses, and identify suitable alternatives if technical problems arise and have the abilities to select, follow, and adapt molecular biology protocols. You will be responsible for general laboratory management and administration, including stock control of laboratory consumables, and you will be required to represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone. The post holder will also provide supervision, advice and guidance to research students where appropriate.

About you

The successful candidate will hold a PhD/DPhil in cancer biology, biomedical sciences or a related field, together with extensive laboratory experience. They will possess sufficient knowledge in the fields of molecular biology and/or histopathology with the ability to manage own research and administrative activities. Excellent IT skills including the ability to maintain an electronic lab notebook and take meticulous notes are essential. Additionally, they will have excellent communication skills, including the ability to write text that can be published, present data at conferences, and represent the research group at meetings.

This full-time post is available immediately and is fixed-term for 20 months in the first instance. It is based at the Botnar Research Centre (with some travel to other local sites in Headington). We would be willing to consider applications for part-time hours.

Application Process

We encourage potential candidates to find out more about the role by contacting Dr. Srinivasa Rao srinivasa.rao@nds.ox.ac.uk

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a supporting statement, setting out how you meet the selection criteria, curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application. Please quote reference NDSA982 on all correspondence.

Only applications received before noon 29th April 2026 can be considered.

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 12th May 2026.