Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Combinatorial Chemist – Polymer Nanoparticles

Contract & job type: Full-time, Fixed-term for 18 months or 31 July 2026 (whichever is soonest)

About us:

At the  Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG), we conduct discovery science where we reassemble physiological processes across molecular, cellular, tissue, and systems levels. Our research bridges basic science with translational medicine and fosters collaboration between the physical and life sciences. We are dedicated to innovative research, excellence in teaching, and promoting an inclusive, supportive work environment

Overview of the role:

We seek a motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join Prof. Molly Stevens’s lab at the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery. The ideal candidate will have expertise in organic/polymer chemistry, a proven track record of first-author publications, and strong teamwork and leadership skills.

In this role, you will design and synthesize a library of lipid-like polymers (lipidoids) for nanoparticle formulations in nucleic acid delivery. The position is available from January 2025 for 18 months, with part-time appointments considered.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop polymer-lipid nanoparticles and design functionalization strategies for drug delivery.
• Use advanced nanomaterial characterization techniques, including cryo-TEM, DLS, SAXS/SANS, and SPARTA.
• Collaborate across disciplines to apply materials to biomedical research.
• Manage research activities and contribute to the Stevens Group's multidisciplinary environment.

Selection criteria:

• PhD (completed/near completion) in chemistry, nanotechnology, or a related field.
• Expertise in organic synthesis, nanoparticle development, and characterization.
• Strong publication record and collaborative skills.

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 6th January 2025.

Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 20th January 2025, 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,  X  and  Instagram to learn more about our work and culture. Informal enquiries about the role may be directed to the DPAG HR Team: hr@dpag.ox.ac.uk 

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.

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