Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Biosensing surfaces

TN United Kingdom; Oxford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a talented bioengineer to develop advanced biosensing platforms. This exciting role involves optimizing nanostructured surfaces and utilizing cutting-edge techniques like Raman spectroscopy for personalized diagnostics. The position offers a collaborative environment within a prestigious institution, where you will manage innovative research projects and contribute to impactful biomedical applications. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this firm provides a supportive atmosphere for professional growth. If you're ready to make a difference in the field of biosensing, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Contributory Pension Scheme

38 Days Annual Leave

Childcare Services

Family Leave Schemes

Cycle and Electric Car Loans

Employee Assistance Programme

Social and Sports Clubs Membership

Travel Discounts and Loans

Qualifications

• Near completion of a PhD/DPhil in relevant fields.
• Experience in surface chemistry design for biosensing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize surface chemistries for biomolecular detection.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team and with external groups.

Skills

Surface Chemistry

Materials Chemistry

Raman Spectroscopy

Project Management

Communication Skills

Data Analysis

Education

PhD/DPhil in Chemistry

PhD/DPhil in Materials Science

PhD/DPhil in Nanotechnology

Tools

XPS

AFM

Electron Microscopy

Raman Microspectroscopy

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Biosensing surfaces, Oxford

Client:

University of Oxford

Location:

Oxford, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

93d1cd2d4b84

Job Views:

4

Posted:

02.05.2025

Expiry Date:

16.06.2025

Job Description:

We are looking for a talented bioengineer with broad expertise in the design and fabrication of bioactive surfaces for biosensing applications. The post-holder will develop next-generation multiplexed sensing platforms as a route to establishing personalised, user-centred diagnostics. Responsibilities include optimizing nanostructured biosensing surfaces, investigating their recognition and binding capacities, and evaluating them for biosensing applications. The role requires knowledge of surface chemistry, materials chemistry, Raman spectroscopy, and strong communication, organisational, and project management skills to collaborate across disciplines and institutions.

The Stevens Group, based at the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and affiliated with the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, is committed to a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive environment. The position is available from August 2025 for 18 months, with potential for part-time arrangements.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize surface chemistries for biomolecular detection, including bioconjugation strategies.
• Establish hyperspectral data acquisition methods for Raman-spectroscopy analysis of biofluids.
• Develop protocols for biomedical applications in collaboration with team members.
• Analyze data using chemometrics, ML/AI algorithms, or multivariate analysis.
• Manage research activities and administrative tasks.
• Collaborate within the multidisciplinary team and with external groups.

Selection criteria:

• Near completion of a PhD/DPhil in chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, or related fields.
• Experience in surface chemistry design for biosensing and diagnostics.
• Experience with Raman spectroscopy for point-of-care applications.
• Proficiency in nanomaterial and surface characterization techniques (XPS, AFM, electron microscopy, Raman microspectroscopy).
• Publication record, including first-author papers.
• Strong communication skills for writing, presenting, and representing the group.
• Ability to independently manage research activities.

What we offer:

We provide family-friendly and financial benefits including:

• Contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• Childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle and electric car loans
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Social and sports clubs membership
• Travel discounts and loans

While this is a full-time role, applications for part-time or flexible arrangements are welcome.