Postdoctoral Research Associate

Location: University of Oxford

Contract Type: Fixed Term (36 months)

Applications are invited for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the vibrant, supportive team of Professor Roslyn Bill at Aston and Oxford Universities. This is a full-time, fixed-term position at Oxford University, with a planned start date in July 2025, lasting for 36 months.

The successful candidate will be funded by Professor Bill's ERC Advanced Grant, which investigates how the subcellular relocalization of the water channel, aquaporin 4, dynamically regulates glymphatic clearance. When glymphatic clearance is impaired, toxic waste products can accumulate within brain tissue leading to conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases; worldwide over 55 million people currently live with dementia and there is no cure. 

The focus of the candidate’s work within the ERC project will be to build a controlled microenvironment in the form of a gliovascular interface on a chip in order to make detailed measurements of glymphatic regulation using advanced imaging techniques.

The successful candidate will have completed a PhD or a PhD near completion in cell biology, bioengineering, bioscience, molecular biology or a related field. Candidates should have extensive experience of working with microfluidic chips, mammalian cell culture and advanced imaging techniques.

More information on our work can be found at https://research.aston.ac.uk/en/persons/roslyn-bill", https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oaeit5XxJQ" and https://www.aston.ac.uk/latest-news/aston-institute-membrane-excellence-receives-ps500000-grant-wolfson-foundation-state

Please upload your CV, including a list of scientific outputs, and a clear statement of what they will bring to the role. 

For informal enquiries please contact Professor Roslyn Bill – r.m.bill@aston.ac.uk and Dr Mootaz Salman – mootaz.salman@dpag.ox.ac.uk

What we offer:

• Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family-friendly policies.
• On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

The salary being offered for this role is below the minimum threshold for required to sponsor new applicants to the Skilled Worker route. However, Aston University may be able to sponsor the successful candidate if they: 

•   Are under 26 years old
•   Hold a PhD that is relevant to the role
•   Have held a Student or Graduate visa in the last 2 years
•   Are already in the UK with a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa issued before April 4th 2024

Please contact hr_immigration@aston.ac.uk if you would like to discuss your eligibility for Skilled Worker sponsorship.

Further details:
Job Description
University Information

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.  It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, including race and sexual orientation, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk.

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button.

Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Tuesday 22 April 2025

Interview Date: Wednesday 07 May 2025

Advert information