Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Biotechnology

Economics Network; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Economics Network invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Engineering, Oxford, to advance robotic tools for directed evolution of microbes. You will take leadership roles, co-design new research questions, and guide PhD students and collaborators while presenting findings at conferences.

The role emphasizes collaboration across biotechnology, mechanical engineering, software, and robotics teams, with opportunities to shape research directions and domain

Qualifications

• Candidate holds or is nearing completion of a PhD/DPhil in a relevant field.
• Direct experience with magnetic field effects in engineered biological systems is essential.
• Experience in experimental development of robotic tools and microscopy is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research team and co-design new research questions and application domains.
• Provide guidance to PhD students and collaborating postdoctoral researchers.
• Present work at conferences and meetings.

Skills

Magnetic field effects

Robotics tools development

Microscopy techniques

Education

PhD / DPhil (or near completion)

Job description

Location: Department of Engineering, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PJ

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join a project developing robotic tools for long term directed evolution of microbes. The project team includes experts in biotechnology, mechanical engineering, software, and robotics. The candidate will have a broad remit to take leadership roles in the research team, including by co-designing new research questions and defining application domains. They will also have opportunities to provide guidance to other members of the project group (such as PhD and collaborating Postdoctoral Researchers), and to present their work at conferences and other meetings.

About you

We are seeking ambitious candidates that hold a PhD/DPhil (or are near completion) in fields relevant to the project. To succeed in the role, it is essential that candidates have direct experience in the study and engineering of magnetic field effects in engineered biological systems, as well as experimental development of robotic tools and microscopy in the area.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Harrison Steel: [e-mail]

Further information can be found at http://www.eng.ox.ac.uk/jobs/home

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford. The Department is committed to equality and valuing diversity and holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting gender equality in academia. The University is a Living Wage Employer, holds an Athena Swan Silver Award, an HR Excellence in Research and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award and is a Stonewall Diversity Champion. Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we seek to create a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through our EDI Committee, working groups and networks, for example eng.ox.ac.uk/women-in-engineering, as well as a number of family friendly policies.

Contract & Duration

The position is a fixed-term post available for 4 years.

Closing date

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 06 November 2026.

£39,424 to £47,779 per annum