Postdoctoral Research Scientist

University-of-Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

38 days annual leave

Childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle and electric car loan schemes

Employee Assistance Programme

Membership to social/sports clubs

Discounted bus travel

Job summary

University of Oxford DPAG invites applications for three Postdoctoral Research Associates to explore extracellular matrix signalling roles in tissue function. Projects involve development, osteoarthritis, and wound healing in collaboration with specific labs.

A PhD/DPhil in relevant fields is expected, with strong mechanobiology or tissue biology backgrounds and excellent communication skills. These full-time roles are from 01 November 2026 to 26 August 2027 in the first instance, with potential

Qualifications

• Hold or near completion of PhD/DPhil in biological sciences or biomedical engineering.
• Specialist knowledge in mechanobiology, tissue biology, inflammatory disease, or developmental biology.

Responsibilities

• Manage own academic research and administrative activities.
• Adapt and develop experimental protocols and techniques.
• Test hypotheses and analyse data; refine hypotheses as needed.
• Contribute ideas for new research projects and collaborations.
• Prepare scientific reports and journal articles; present papers/posters.
• Operate specialist laboratory equipment.
• Advise group members on protocols and techniques.
• Represent the group at external meetings/seminars or with partner institutions.
• Collaborate on projects with colleagues in partner institutions.
• Share findings with colleagues and research groups.

Education

PhD or DPhil in Biological sciences or Biomedical engineering

Job description

Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7TY

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 three Postdoctoral Research Associates to investigate an exciting and emerging area of tissue biology: how the extracellular matrix (ECM) acts as an essential signalling network in the establishment and maintenance of tissue function throughout the lifespan. The ECM is a critical but relatively understudied component of tissue biology. Not only is its healthy regulation essential for tissue function, but its dysfunction drives chronic diseases. Understanding its role requires a highly interdisciplinary approach that integrates principles from biology, physics and engineering. All projects will be undertaken in close collaboration with research groups across the University of Oxford. One position will focus on the role of ECM and basement membrane in development, in collaboration with Shankar Srinivas's laboratory; one will investigate the role of ECM regulation in joint degeneration and regeneration in osteoarthritis, working with Tonia Vincent's laboratory; and one will explore ECM-mediated mechanisms of tissue repair in spiny mouse, a model system of scarless wound healing, in collaboration with Paul Riley's laboratory. The ideal candidate will hold or be close to completion of a PhD/DPhil with sufficient specialist knowledge in mechanobiology, tissue biology, inflammatory disease, or developmental biology to work within established research programmes.

This post is available from 01st November 2026 until 26th August 2027 in the first instance.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.
• Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols.
• Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate.
• Contribute ideas for new research projects.
• Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters.
• Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment.
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
• Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone.
• Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups.
• Contribute to discussions and share research findings with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups.

Selection criteria:

• Hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in the biological sciences or biomedical engineering, together with relevant experience.
• Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in mechanobiology, tissue biology, inflammatory disease, or developmental biology to work within established research programmes.
• Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities.
• Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations.
• Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.
• Experience of creating collaborative and inclusive environments with people from different backgrounds.

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 29th October 2026.

Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 9th November 2026, and will be face to face.

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.