Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Biomaterials and Biofabrication
Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU
Contract and job type: Full-time, fixed term for 18 months
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 biomaterial scientist with broad expertise on the design and fabrication of advanced biomaterial for therapeutics and regenerative medicine applications. The role is highly multidisciplinary involving collaboration with researchers working within the fields of materials science, bioengineering, chemistry and biology. Successful candidates will engage with researchers both within the lab and across partner institutions, requiring strong organizational abilities and project management expertise to navigate complex, multi-team projects.
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.
- Support the operation and management of shared biofabrication and synthesis facilities, providing training, technical expertise and guidance to other laboratory users as required.
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.
- 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 selection criteria.
What we offer:
Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:
- 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.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday 03rd November 2026.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 16th November, 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.
We, as a Department and Community, will be considerate and welcoming of all people, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socio-economic background. We acknowledge societal inequalities and how these impact us, and those around us, personally and professionally. Our policies, practices and Respectful Behaviours Framework underpin this commitment.
DPAG and Sustainability:
We have signed up to The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) and Green Impact, actively implementing and encouraging eco-friendly practices that reduce waste, promote energy efficiency, and promote bio-diversity. See the job description for more detail.
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