Postdoctoral Research Associate

Aston University; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in the UK is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join a vibrant team focused on glymphatic clearance regulation. This full-time, fixed-term position at Oxford University offers an annual salary between £40,497 and £49,559. Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant field and experience with microfluidic techniques and advanced imaging. The role will focus on developing innovative research methods and contributing to ongoing projects funded by an ERC Advanced Grant.

Benefits

Generous annual leave scheme

Excellent training opportunities

Discounted gym and pool membership

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with microfluidic techniques and cell culture.
• Strong scientific record with published outputs.
• Completed PhD or near completion in a relevant field.

Responsibilities

• Build a controlled microenvironment for research.
• Make measurements of glymphatic regulation.
• Investigate mechanisms linked to neurodegenerative conditions.

Skills

Microfluidic chips

Mammalian cell culture

Advanced imaging techniques

Education

PhD in cell biology, bioengineering, bioscience or related field

Job description

School of Biosciences – Oxford University

Location: University of Oxford

Salary: £40,497 to £49,559 per annum

Grade: Grade 08

Contract type: Fixed Term (29 months)

Basis: Full Time

Closing Date: 23:59 GMT on Saturday 31 January 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Reference: R250117

Release Date: Thursday 11 December 2025

Position Overview

Applications are invited for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the vibrant, supportive team of Professor Roslyn Bill at Aston and Oxford Universities. This is a full‑time, fixed‑term position at Oxford University lasting for 29 months. The successful candidate will be funded by Professor Bill’s ERC Advanced Grant, which investigates how the subcellular relocalisation of the water channel aquaporin 4 dynamically regulates glymphatic clearance.

Responsibilities

• Build a controlled microenvironment in the form of a gliovascular interface on a chip.
• Make detailed measurements of glymphatic regulation using advanced imaging techniques.
• Carry out research within the ERC project to investigate the mechanisms of glymphatic clearance impairment linked to neurodegenerative conditions.

Qualifications

• Completed a PhD or near completion in cell biology, bioengineering, bioscience, molecular biology or a related field.
• Extensive experience with microfluidic chips, mammalian cell culture and advanced imaging techniques.
• Strong scientific record with published outputs and a clear statement of what you will bring to the role.

What we offer

• Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre with excellent transport links.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave plus 13 days of bank holidays and university closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Family‑friendly policies.
• On‑site gym and pool with discounted staff membership.
• Further information on benefits and rewards can be found online.

Sponsorship Eligibility

• Under 26 years old.
• Hold a PhD relevant to the role.
• Hold a student or graduate visa in the last 2 years.
• Already in the UK with a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa issued before 4 April 2024.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Aston University is an equal‑opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. The University promotes equality and diversity and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law.

Apply Online

To apply, please submit your CV, list of scientific outputs, and clear statement of what you will bring to the role.

Guidance on AI‑Assisted Applications

While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements and motivations.

Flexible Working

You may contact the recruiting manager to discuss flexible working options available for this role.