Post Doctoral Researcher

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oxford’s Gupta Lab in the Department of Paediatrics is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join a multidisciplinary team designing and evaluating next-generation delivery platforms for nucleic acid therapeutics.

The role involves planning and executing organic synthesis and molecular biology experiments, collaborating with chemists, biologists and clinicians, and disseminating findings in high-quality reports and publications in a demanding research environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in organic chemistry and molecular biology.
• Ability to design and execute molecular biology experiments.
• Strong written and verbal communication across staff levels.

Responsibilities

• Design experiments to develop conjugates for nucleic acid delivery.
• Synthesize and modify oligonucleotides and conjugates.
• Evaluate stability, specificity and delivery in vitro and in vivo.

Skills

Organic chemistry

Molecular biology

Experiment design

Communication skills

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

UK date and time: 02-November-2026 05:09

Department of Paediatrics, Gupta Research Group, Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), Old Road Campus, Oxford

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Gupta Lab in the Department of Paediatrics as our Post Doctoral Researcher.

The successful candidate will join Dr. Dhanu Gupta at the Institute of Development and Regenerative Medicine on the Old Road Campus. The Gupta Lab at the University of Oxford is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in bioconjugate chemistry to develop next-generation delivery platforms for nucleic acid therapeutics.

The successful candidate will work closely with chemists, molecular biologists, and clinicians to design and synthesize chemical conjugates for nucleic acid delivery. This will include linker chemistry, oligonucleotide modification, and bioconjugation to peptides, lipids, polymers, antibodies, or extracellular vesicles. The postholder will evaluate stability, specificity, and delivery efficacy of these conjugates in vitro and in vivo.

This role represents a unique opportunity to contribute to translational therapeutic development at the interface of chemistry, biology, and medicine.

You will be working in a growing department within the Medical Sciences Division. The Department of Paediatrics is a world leader in child health research and hosts internationally renowned research programmes in drug development, gastroenterology, haematology, HIV, immunology, neuroimaging, neuromuscular diseases and vaccinology.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for one year with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available

This role may be eligible for a Global Talent visa.

About the department

The Department of Paediatrics holds the Athena Swan Gold award (a national gender equality charter) acknowledging the innovative policies and practices developed across the department. Weencourage staff to develop their skills by offering all staff ten paid days of professional development each year and have a policy where staff can apply to receive funding for further training courses to support their professional development. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees.

Please visit our website to find out more about the Department.

About you

You will have a a PhD, with proven and demonstrable organic chemistry and molecular biology skills. You will be able to design the experiments, execute the experiment using various molecular biology techniques, and help analyse the data. You will have highly effective verbal and written communication skills with all level of staff staff and an ability to operate effectively in a demanding research environment.