Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Combinatorial Chemist in Polymer Nanoparticles
| Posting date: | 19 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £39,424 to £47,779 per year, pro rata |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 18 January 2026 |
| Location: | Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | University of Oxford |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 184103 |
Summary
Contract & job type: Full-time, Fixed-term for until 31st July 2027
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/polymer 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 be responsible for the design and synthesis of materials of a library of lipid-like polymers (lipidoids) to be used in nanoparticle formulations for nucleic acid delivery.
This post is available immediately for a fixed-term until 31st July 2027, with the possibility of part-time appointments being considered.
Key responsibilities:
Develop a library of hybrid polymer- and lipid nanoparticles and design functionalisation strategies for targeted drug delivery.
Use state-of-the-art nanomaterial characterisation techniques including cryo-TEM, DLS, SANS/SAXS and the in-house developed single particle Raman spectroscopy technique SPARTA.
Establish cross-disciplinary protocols to incorporate the materials into biomedical applications in collaboration with other members of the research team.
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 chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, or related field
Experience in multi-step organic synthesis, purification and standard chemical characterisation techniques (e.g. NMR, LC-MS)
Experience in the synthesis of polymer/lipid nanoparticles for applications in therapeutic deliver
Experience in nanoparticle characterisation techniques
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 19th January 2026.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 2nd February 2026, 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, Bluesky 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.
DPAG and Sustainability:
We have signed up to The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) and Green Impact, actively implementing and encouraging eco-friendly practices that reduce waste, promote energy efficiency, and promote bio-diversity. See the job description for more detail.
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/polymer 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 be responsible for the design and synthesis of materials of a library of lipid-like polymers (lipidoids) to be used in nanoparticle formulations for nucleic acid delivery.
This post is available immediately for a fixed-term until 31st July 2027, with the possibility of part-time appointments being considered.
Key responsibilities:
Develop a library of hybrid polymer- and lipid nanoparticles and design functionalisation strategies for targeted drug delivery.
Use state-of-the-art nanomaterial characterisation techniques including cryo-TEM, DLS, SANS/SAXS and the in-house developed single particle Raman spectroscopy technique SPARTA.
Establish cross-disciplinary protocols to incorporate the materials into biomedical applications in collaboration with other members of the research team.
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 chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, or related field
Experience in multi-step organic synthesis, purification and standard chemical characterisation techniques (e.g. NMR, LC-MS)
Experience in the synthesis of polymer/lipid nanoparticles for applications in therapeutic deliver
Experience in nanoparticle characterisation techniques
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 19th January 2026.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 2nd February 2026, 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, Bluesky 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.
DPAG and Sustainability:
We have signed up to The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) and Green Impact, actively implementing and encouraging eco-friendly practices that reduce waste, promote energy efficiency, and promote bio-diversity. See the job description for more detail.