Research Assistant in Cell Reprogramming and Culture

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to innovative fertility-preservation tools for humans and endangered species. The role focuses on developing techniques for cell sampling and biobanking, requiring a degree in biology and relevant experience in cell reprogramming. This full-time, fixed-term position fosters collaboration within a dynamic research team and supports global conservation efforts.

Qualifications

• You will hold a degree in a biological discipline with relevant experience.
• You will have knowledge of cell reprogramming or a clear willingness to learn.
• You should be able to contribute creative ideas to new research projects.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the Poo Zoo initiative.
• Develop techniques to isolate and cryopreserve faecally derived epithelial cells.
• Work on achieving stable iPSC lines from cells.

Skills

Knowledge of cell reprogramming

Creative idea contribution to research projects

Ability to work independently

Effective collaboration in a multidisciplinary team

Education

Degree in a biological discipline

Job description

Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health. Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU.

The Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the research group of Professor Suzannah Williams. Professor Williams' group investigates ovarian functions across a range of species including mouse, sheep, human, rhinoceros, and other endangered animals with the goal of developing fertility‑preservation tools for both humans and threatened wildlife populations.

The successful applicant will contribute to the Poo Zoo initiative, a collaboration between Oxford, Revive & Restore and Chester Zoo, which aims to develop non‑invasive viable cell sampling and biobanking methods for endangered species. This work will support global conservation efforts at a time when over one million species face extinction. The post holder will be involved in developing techniques to isolate, culture, reprogramme and cryopreserve faecally derived epithelial cells from multiple species including mice and endangered species housed at Chester Zoo. The aim is to achieve stable iPSC lines from fecally‑derived epithelial cells. One ongoing challenge is cell attachment during culture, and Professor Williams' group are exploring methods to do this.

You will hold a degree in a biological discipline with relevant experience. You will have knowledge of cell reprogramming or a clear willingness to learn. You should be able to contribute creative ideas to new research projects and work independently while also collaborating effectively within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team, balancing your own work with supporting the smooth running of the group.

This post is full-time and fixed‑term for one year.

Applications for flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.