Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Advanced Spectroscopy
Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU
Contract & job type: Full-time, Fixed-term for 18 months or 31 March 2028 (whichever is soonest)
About us: The Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery (Kavli INsD), established in March 2021, brings together over 30 faculty and 450 researchers across disciplines to tackle global health challenges. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and providing cutting-edge facilities, it encourages innovation and shared discovery, and benefits from the close proximity of the scientific departments as well as advanced imaging and characterisation facilities and state-of-the-art-instrumentation.
At the Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG) we undertake discovery science where we reassemble physiological processes at the molecular, cellular, tissue and systems level of organisation. In so doing we provide a bridge to translational medicine, and interface between physical and life sciences. We are committed not only to innovative research and the highest standard of teaching, but also to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment.
Overview of the role: We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join Professor Dame Molly Stevens’s lab. The Stevens Group operates at the intersection of multiple disciplines, enabling highly collaborative and cross-field research. The lab is based at the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Discovery and is strategically affiliated with the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, as well as the Institute of Biomedical Engineering within the Department of Engineering Science. We are looking for a talented biomaterials scientist with a strong background in spectroscopy, photonics or chemometrics. The role is highly multidisciplinary involving collaboration with researchers working within the fields of materials science, bioengineering, chemistry and biology.
This post is available immediately for a fixed-term of 18 months or 31 March 2028 (whichever is soonest), with the possibility of part-time appointments being considered.
Key responsibilities:
- Develop advanced methodology using Raman and other types of spectroscopy techniques for real-time molecular imaging of live tissues and biomaterials.
- Analyse and interpret complex, high-dimensional imaging datasets, integrating Raman data with complementary techniques such as immunofluorescence and mass spectrometry.
- Work alongside other team members to correlate spectroscopy imaging data with biological models.
- Establish cross-disciplinary protocols to incorporate the analytical techniques into biomaterial research workflows.
- Undertake the associated data analysis and interpretation, ensuring validity and reliability of data at all times.
- Manage your own research activities, including administrative tasks associated with the project.
- Actively participate in the multidisciplinary environment of the Stevens Group and collaborate with external research groups.
Selection criteria:
- Hold, or be near to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in bioengineering, chemistry, physics, data science or related field.
- Expertise in advanced applications of spectroscopy and microscopy-based imaging techniques.
- Extensive experience in handling and interpreting hyperspectral data including preprocessing and feature extraction.
- Knowledge of spectroscopy applied to disease diagnostics and/or bio-nanomaterial characterisation and/or cell/tissue imaging.
- Experience in cell culture and in vitro tissue development.
- Knowledge of relevant programming languages and tools (e.g. Python, MATLAB, etc.)
- Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations, with a proven track record of first author publications in peer reviewed journals.
Please refer to the Job Description for a full list of responsibilities and criteria.
What we offer: Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days annual leave
- A 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
While this is a full-time role, we welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
How to apply: Please provide a supporting statement outlining how you meet the selection criteria along with your CV, and the details of two referees as part of your online application. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday 05 May 2026. Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 18 May, and will be hold on Microsoft Teams. Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford.
Follow us: Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Bluesky and Instagram to learn more about our work and culture. Informal enquiries about the role may be directed to the DPAG HR Team: hr@dpag.ox.ac.uk
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