Research Scientist (Surface Science)

Oxford Nanopore Technologies; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK biotechnology company is seeking a Research Scientist specialized in Surface Science. The successful candidate will design experiments and analyze data while collaborating with multiple teams. A PhD in relevant fields is essential, along with industrial experience. The role offers a dynamic environment and competitive benefits including bonuses, healthcare, and generous pension contributions.

Benefits

Attractive bonus

Generous pension contributions

Private healthcare

Beautiful working environment

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc with relevant industrial experience.
• Strong expertise in physical chemistry of surfaces.
• Ability to manage multiple projects effectively.

Responsibilities

• Perform research on platform chemistry.
• Manage junior team members.
• Conduct data analysis and reporting.

Skills

Biophysical chemistry of membranes

Data analysis

Experiment design

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in Surface Science, Biophysics, or Materials Chemistry

MSc in Physics or Chemistry with 3-5 years of experience

Tools

Microscopy

DLS

AFM

SEM

Job description

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Research Scientist (Surface Science), Oxford

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Client:

Oxford Nanopore Technologies

Location:

Oxford, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

43befba6802f

Job Views:

8

Posted:

12.08.2025

Expiry Date:

26.09.2025

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Job Description:

Oxford Nanopore Technologies: Our goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere.

The company has developed a new generation of nanopore-based sensing technology for faster, information rich, accessible and affordable molecular analysis.

The first application is DNA/RNA sequencing, and the technology is in development for the analysis of other types of molecules including proteins.

The technology is used to understand and characterise the biology of humans and diseases such as cancer, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses, and whole environments.

With a thriving culture of ambition and strong innovation goals, Oxford Nanopore is a UK headquartered company with global operations and customers in more than 125 countries!

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated, self-directed and analytical individual to join Oxford Nanopore as a Research Scientist of Surface and Membrane Science.

This lab-based role is diverse and extends across all ONT’s platforms and would be highly suited to a creative, inquisitive, and motivated scientist with a strong expertise in biophysical chemistry of membranes, colloids/emulsions and interfaces, chemical modification of surfaces, selective surface wetting and de-wetting, and with a keen interest in their practical applications.

The successful candidate will design experiments, analyse data and communicate the results on projects to the project lead and other key stakeholders. You will work as part of a team, interfacing with other groups within the organization.

You will have a PhD and/or proven industrial experience in the field of physical chemistry of surfaces and interfaces/thin films to support the continuous innovation of all aspects of membrane and sensor chip chemistry which are at the core of our technology. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment, be highly organised, flexible and possess the ability to efficiently manage multiple projects simultaneously with excellent communication and inter-personal skills.

Key responsibilities include:

To perform research on various aspects of our platform chemistry working closely with other team members and stakeholders. Responsibilities may include management of junior team members, subject to experience.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Surfaces and interfaces modificationand characterisation, e.g. microscopy, LB, DLS, QCM-D, AFM, SEM, etc
• Optimising protocols of membrane formation, e.g. IFT, contact angles, etc
• Electrophysiology testing
• Data analysis, recording, reporting and interpreting experimental results
• Transfer processes and documentation to other departments
• Ensure work being undertaken, either by yourself or as line manager to others meets company H&S requirements
• Any other duties as might be required within the remit and responsibilities of the post
  

What We're Looking For...

We'll expect you to have a PhD in Surface Science, Biophysics, Materials Chemistry or related field or MSc in Physics or Chemistry and 3-5 years of relevant experience in industry

In addition, you are someone creative, self-directed and analytical, able to propose research ideas and to contribute to R&D towards team’s goals and objectives . You have the capacity to analyse, interpret and present data in a clear and concise manner and are using your outstanding communication and networking skills (both written and oral) with internal and external stakeholders. You are curious and passionate about science. You have a helpful, can-do attitude and are a great teammate.

We offer outstanding benefits to include an attractive bonus, generous pension contributions, private healthcare and an excellent starting salary. Based within beautiful, landscaped surroundings with tree-lined walks, water features and a lake, all of which make for a wonderful working environment.

If you are looking to utilise your skills to really make a difference to humankind, then consider joining our team and apply today!