Postdoctoral Research Scientists - Materials & Devices for Life Sciences

Ellison Institute, LLC; Oxford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Oxford seeks a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to address critical technological challenges through cutting-edge research. Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant discipline and demonstrate a solid record of scientific publication and collaboration. The role involves designing experiments, developing innovative technologies, and contributing to multidisciplinary projects that enhance clinical diagnostics and therapeutic applications. Competitive benefits include enhanced holiday pay and private medical insurance.

Benefits

Enhanced holiday pay

Pension

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Private Medical Insurance

Hospital Cash Plan

Therapy Services

Perk Box

Electrical Car Scheme

Qualifications

• Completion of a PhD in chemical biology, organic chemistry, or related fields.
• Dependable research achievements and publications in high-impact journals.
• Ability to work independently and solve complex experimental problems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for identifying and resolving technical issues.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments for technological challenges.
• Develop and refine emerging technologies.
• Support mentorship of junior researchers.
• Collaborate in a well-resourced environment.
• Focus on developing nanopore technologies for diagnostics.

Skills

Data analysis and interpretation

Single-molecule techniques

Protein engineering

Bioorganic chemistry

Stem cell and tissue culture

Microfluidics

Device design and fabrication

Computational modelling and analysis

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

Overview

We welcome candidates with a PhD in a relevant discipline and a strong record of research excellence. Enthusiasm for cross-disciplinary research, curiosity-driven problem solving, and the ambition to translate discoveries into real-world applications are key.

Responsibilities

• As a Postdoctoral Research Scientist, you will design and conduct experiments addressing fundamental technological challenges, lead the development and refinement of emerging technologies, contribute to impactful scientific publications, and actively support the mentorship of junior researchers.
• Work at the intersection of chemistry, biology, physics, and engineering, playing an integral role in shaping MDLS's evolving vision to redefine the possibilities of biotechnology.
• Collaborate as part of a dynamic, well-resourced environment with access to advanced instrumentation, fabrication facilities, and an ecosystem of allied institutes working at the interface of technology and life sciences.
• Focus on developing nanopore technologies and powerful new devices to transform clinical and personal diagnostics, and the scalable development of personalised therapeutics through exploration of both synthetic tissue-like materials and living tissues prepared by 3D printing.

Research Areas

• Nanopore technologies for small-molecule diagnostics
• Single-molecule technologies for biopolymer analysis
• Programmable membrane proteins for nanoscale transport and sensing
• Precision biomolecule processing for single-molecule technologies
• 3D tissue engineering with stem cells
• Synthetic and hybrid tissue engineering
• Versatile nanopore devices for sensing, sequencing, and beyond
• Devices for advanced tissue engineering

Qualifications

• Completion of a PhD within a relevant field (e.g., chemical biology, organic chemistry, synthetic biology, computational chemistry or biology, materials science, human cell biology, physiology and pathology, biophysics, device engineering, biomedical engineering, nanoscience).
• Proven record of research achievements, including publications in high-impact journals and presentations at international conferences.
• Skill in data analysis and interpretation, with experience in one or more of the following areas desirable: single-molecule techniques, protein engineering, bioorganic chemistry, stem cell and tissue culture, microfluidics, device design and fabrication, or computational modelling and analysis.
• Proven ability to work independently, think creatively, and solve complex experimental problems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify and resolve challenging technical issues.
• Broad understanding of current developments in relevant fields and the ability to identify promising directions for future research and technology development.
• Innovative thinking with a proactive approach to problem-solving and scientific discovery.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience of collaboration in multidisciplinary teams.
• Capacity to build and sustain productive collaborations internally and externally.
• Resilience, adaptability, and enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, high-growth research environment.

Benefits

• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electrical Car Scheme

Why work for EIT

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

Terms of Appointment

• You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
• You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
• During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.