Contract & job type: Full-time, Fixed-term for 1 year About us:At the Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG).....
Contract & job type: Full-time, Fixed-term for 1 year
About us:
At the Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG) we undertake discovery science where we reassemble physiological processes at the molecular, cellular, tissue and systems level of organisation. In so doing we provide a bridge to translational medicine, and interface between physical and life sciences. We are committed not only to innovative research and the highest standard of teaching, but also to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment.
Overview of the role:
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join Prof Molly Stevens’s lab at the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with strong expertise in organic chemistry who is also a confident self-starter, a collaborative team player, and demonstrate a proven track record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
In this role, you will develop a diagnostic platform applying the in-house developed technique SPARTA™ to the analysis of extracellular vesicles as potential disease biomarkers. The post will involve a range of nanobiomaterial characterisation techniques and the application of multivariate data analysis methods for sample classification.
This post is available from January 2025 for a fixed-term of 12 months, with the possibility of part-time appointments being considered.
Key responsibilities:
• Develop Single Particle Automated Raman Trapping Analysis (SPARTA™) as a non-invasive disease diagnostic technique based on EVs as biomarkers.
• Develop a deep understanding of EV biochemistry, Raman fingerprints and surface protein expression.
• Evaluate the performance of the technique with model systems and patient samples.
• Undertake the associated data analysis and interpretation, ensuring validity and reliability of data at all times, including either developing or liaising with others to use chemometrics, ML/AI algorithms and/or multivariate analysis.
• Manage your own research activities, including administrative tasks associated with the project.
• Actively participate in the multidisciplinary environment of the Stevens Group and collaborate with external research groups.
Selection criteria:
• Hold, or be near to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in materials science, chemistry, physics, nanotechnology, or related field.
• Experience in single nanoparticle analysis techniques (e.g. SPARTA, nanoflow cytometry, imaging flow cytometry, super resolution microscopy, NTA)
• Experience in extracellular vesicle harvesting techniques (e.g. cell culture, antibody conjugation)
• Experience in chemometric data analysis including multivariate analysis.
• Proven track record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to work independently and manage your own research and administrative tasks.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
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 28th October.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 4th November, 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.
