Postdoctoral Scientist in Organoid Multiomics

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in the UK is seeking an enthusiastic post-doctoral scientist for a six-year fixed-term position. The role involves leading a research project on colorectal cancer, focusing on the wet lab and analytic components of stem cell studies. Candidates should have expertise in multi-omic technologies and tissue culture, alongside a PhD or nearing completion in a relevant field. Collaborative skills and a strong publication record are essential.

Qualifications

• Hold or be close to completing a PhD in a relevant field.
• Strong experience in multi-omic technologies.
• Bench competency with tissue culture and molecular analyses.
• Familiarity with colorectal cancer and advanced imaging is advantageous.
• Strong publication record and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead wet lab and analytic components of the SMOC study.
• Oversee multi-omic and phenotypic profiling of organoids.
• Develop pipelines connecting genotype, transcriptome, and phenotypes.
• Collaborate with biologists, modelers, and clinical partners.

Skills

Single-cell and/or bulk multi-omic technologies

Data analysis and interpretation skills

Tissue culture (2D and 3D)

Communication skills

Collaborative mindset

Education

PhD in molecular biology, genomics, cancer biology, or related field

Job description

Position Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic post‑doctoral scientist to work in our research team. You will be based in the Old Road Campus Research Building as your normal place of work.

You will join the SMOC (Stem cell signatures of Mutational Order in Colorectal Cancer) study, a Cancer Research UK‑funded programme led from the University of Oxford. The project aims to uncover how the sequence of genetic mutations in colorectal cancer drives changes in stem cell identity, epigenetics, tumour‑microenvironment interactions, and therapy response.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the wet lab and analytic components of the SMOC study, including the generation, culture, and gene editing of patient‑derived and engineered organoids. This will include establishing and optimising organoid derivation workflows, CRISPR‑based editing, and quality control assays.
• Oversee multi‑omic and phenotypic profiling of these organoids, including bulk and single‑cell RNA sequencing, ATAC sequencing, DNA methylation profiling, and proteomics, integrated with high‑content live‑cell imaging datasets.
• Develop pipelines that connect genotype, transcriptome, epigenome, and morphodynamic phenotypes, and apply these to investigate how mutational order influences stem cell identity, heterogeneity, and therapy response.
• Collaborate closely with experimental biologists, computational modelers, and clinical partners, driving mechanistic insights and translational applications, with opportunities to lead high‑profile publications.

Qualifications

• Hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in molecular biology, genomics, cancer biology, bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Strong experience in single‑cell and/or bulk multi‑omic technologies, with skills in data analysis and interpretation.
• Bench competency with tissue culture (2D and 3D) and associated molecular analyses (DNA/RNA/Protein).
• Familiarity with colorectal cancer biology, epigenetics, or advanced imaging/phenotyping is an advantage.
• Strong publication record, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work across disciplines. A collaborative mindset and the drive to integrate complex data into novel biological insights will be key.

Employment Details

This full‑time/part‑time post is available immediately as a fixed‑term position for six years in the first instance.