Postdoctoral Research Associate in Optical Detection of Magnetic Field Effects

About the role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford to work under the supervision of Professors Stuart Mackenzie and Christiane Timmel for a period of up to 12 months. The project involves the development and application of novel optical detection methods for magnetic field effects in proteins (especially cryptochromes and MagLOV family proteins) and model chemical systems. The post is funded by a grant from the US Army Research Office.

Find out more about the Mackenzie research group Timmel research group https://mackenzie.web.ox.ac.uk/ https://timmel.chem.ox.ac.uk/

About you

Applicants must hold a PhD in chemistry, physics or a relevant subject area, (or be close to completion) prior to taking up the appointment. The research requires experience in sensitive spectroscopy in the condensed phase (e.g., optical cavity-based direct absorption, fluorescence, confocal microscopy, time correlated single photon counting, etc.). Familiarity with magnetic field effects in proteins and/or chemical systems would be advantageous. You will be expected to manage your own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.

The post will be based in the Department of Chemistry, based in the Chemistry Research Laboratory and is available from as soon as possible.

Application Process

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your application. In your supporting statement (<2 pages), please explain how you meet each of the selection criteria found in the job description.

Certificates, references and research papers should not be provided at this stage.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday, 21st April 2026, UK time. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

The University of Oxford and The Department of Chemistry are Silver Athena SWAN holders. Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in Chemistry research posts in Oxford.