Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Combinatorial Chemist in Polymer Nanoparticles

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

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist specializing in organic/polymer chemistry. This role involves synthesizing lipid-like polymers for drug delivery and managing collaborative research activities. The ideal candidate will have a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and excellent communication skills. This full-time position offers numerous benefits, including generous annual leave and a robust pension scheme, with flexibility for part-time options.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

38 days annual leave

Childcare services

Employee Assistance Programme

Membership to social and sports clubs

Discounted bus travel

Qualifications

• Hold a PhD/DPhil or nearing completion in a relevant field.
• Experience in multi-step organic synthesis and characterisation techniques.
• Proven publication record as first author in peer-reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize lipid-like polymers for nucleic acid delivery.
• Use advanced nanomaterial characterization techniques.
• Collaborate in multidisciplinary research activities.

Skills

Organic/polymer chemistry

Independent research management

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD/DPhil in chemistry or related field

Tools

NMR

LC-MS

Cryo-TEM

DLS

SANS/SAXS

Job description

Contract & job type: Full-time, Fixed-term until 31st July 2027

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 a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join Prof Molly Stevens’s lab at the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with strong expertise in organic/polymer chemistry who is also a confident self-starter, a collaborative team player, and demonstrate a proven track record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.

In this role, you will be responsible for the design and synthesis of materials of a library of lipid-like polymers (lipidoids) to be used in nanoparticle formulations for nucleic acid delivery.

This post is available immediately for a fixed-term until 31st July 2027, with the possibility of part-time appointments being considered.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop a library of hybrid polymer- and lipid nanoparticles and design functionalisation strategies for targeted drug delivery.
• Use state-of-the‑art nanomaterial characterisation techniques including cryo‑TEM, DLS, SANS/SAXS and the in‑house developed single particle Raman spectroscopy technique SPARTA.
• Establish cross‑disciplinary protocols to incorporate the materials into biomedical applications in collaboration with other members of the research team.
• Manage your own research activities, including administrative tasks associated with the project.
• Actively participate in the multidisciplinary environment of the Stevens Group and collaborate with external research groups.

Selection criteria:

• Hold, or be near to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, or related field.
• Experience in multi‑step organic synthesis, purification and standard chemical characterisation techniques (e.g. NMR, LC‑MS).
• Experience in the synthesis of polymer/lipid nanoparticles for applications in therapeutic delivery.
• Experience in nanoparticle characterisation techniques.
• Proven track record of first‑author publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Ability to work independently and manage your own research and administrative tasks.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

What we offer:

• Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family‑friendly and financial benefits including an excellent contributory pension scheme.
• 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.

How to apply:

Please provide a supporting statement outlining how you meet the selection criteria along with your CV, and the details of two referees as part of your online application. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 19th January 2026. Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 2nd February 2026, and will be held on Microsoft Teams. Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates who are under‑represented in academic posts in Oxford.

Follow us:

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Bluesky and Instagram to learn more about our work and culture. Informal enquiries about the role may be directed to the DPAG HR Team: [e-mail]

DPAG’s Statement of Inclusion:

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.