"Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Biomaterials and biofabrication"

Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Biomaterials and biofabrication

Department: Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU

Contract & job type: Full-time, Fixed-term for 18 months

About us: 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 a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join Prof Molly Stevens’s lab at the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with strong expertise in biomaterials and biofabrication who is also a confident self-starter, a collaborative team player, and demonstrate a proven track record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals. In this role, you will be responsible for the design and fabrication of advanced biomaterials for therapeutics and regenerative medicine applications.

This post is available immediately for a fixed-term of 18 months, with the possibility of part-time appointments being considered.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and optimise micro-architectured constructs using state-of-the-art bioprinting techniques.
• Investigate how cells interact with biomaterials, including mechanobiological responses to physical and biochemical cues, and translate insights into improved material designs.
• Plan and perform cell culture experiments to evaluate the bio-material interfaces.
• Establish cross-disciplinary protocols to incorporate the materials into biomedical applications in collaboration with other members of the research team.
• 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 materials science, bioengineering or relevant field.
• Experience in the development of bioinks for fabrication of micro/nano-structured biomaterials.
• Experience in light-based 3D-bioprinting (e.g. SLA/DLP/nanoscribe).
• Experience in a wide range of material and biointerface characterisation techniques (including microscopy, spectroscopy, rheological and mechanical properties, cell assays, etc.)
• Strong background in cell culture and in vitro tissue development.

Please refer to the Job Description for a detailed 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 Sunday 15th March. Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 30th March, and will be held 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, X 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