Overview
Led by a world‑class faculty of scientists, technologists, policy makers, economists and entrepreneurs, the Ellison Institute of Technology aims to develop and deploy commercially sustainable solutions to solve some of humanity's most enduring challenges. Our work is guided by four Humane Endeavours: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology, Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2 and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.
EIT Campus
Set for completion in 2027, the EIT Campus in Littlemore will include more than 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, educational and gathering spaces. Fuelled by growing ambition and the strength of Oxford's science ecosystem, EIT is now expanding its footprint to a 2 million sq ft Campus across the western part of The Oxford Science Park. Designed by Foster + Partners led by Lord Norman Foster, this will become a transformative workplace for up to 7,000 people, with autonomous laboratories, purpose‑built laboratories including a plant sciences building and dynamic spaces to spark interdisciplinary collaboration.
MDLS Institute Mission
The vision for the Institute of Materials & Devices for Life Sciences (MDLS) at the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) is to advance human health by scaling interdisciplinary science at the interface of chemistry, biology and engineering. Led by Professor Hagan Bayley, it will house more than 100 researchers engaging in three interrelated endeavours: Nanopore Sensing and Sequencing, 3D Tissue Construction and Device Engineering. The MDLS Institute will expand nanopore science to detect a wider range of biological molecules, including volatiles in human breath. In parallel, pioneering novel methods that integrate synthetic and living tissues into structures for organ repair. All the research will be underpinned by the development of new devices capable of serving as powerful tools in clinical settings.
Postdoctoral Research Scientists
We are seeking ambitious and creative Postdoctoral Research Scientists to join the Materials & Devices for Life Sciences (MDLS) Institute at EIT Oxford. Our research focuses on developing nanopore technologies and powerful new devices to transform clinical and personal diagnostics, and the scalable development of personalised therapeutics through the exploration of both synthetic tissue‑like materials and living tissues prepared by 3D printing.
Areas of Research
Nanopore technologies for small‑molecule diagnostics
Single‑molecule technologies for biopolymer analysis
Programmable membrane proteins for nanoscale transport and sensing
Precision biomolecule processing for single‑molecule technologies
3D tissue engineering with stem cells
Synthetic and hybrid tissue engineering
Versatile nanopore devices for sensing, sequencing, and beyond
Devices for advanced tissue engineering
Responsibilities
As a Postdoctoral Research Scientist, you will design and conduct experiments addressing fundamental technological challenges, lead the development and refinement of emerging technologies, contribute to impactful scientific publications, and actively support the mentorship of junior researchers. Working at the intersection of chemistry, biology, physics, and engineering, you will play an integral role in shaping MDLS's evolving vision to redefine the possibilities of biotechnology.
Work Environment
MDLS offers a dynamic, collaborative, and well‑resourced environment, with access to advanced instrumentation, fabrication facilities, and an ecosystem of allied institutes working at the interface of technology and life sciences. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a research programme that is technique‑agnostic, impact‑driven, and unafraid to push boundaries.
Requirements
We welcome candidates with a PhD in a relevant discipline and a strong record of research excellence. Enthusiasm for cross‑disciplinary research, curiosity‑driven problem solving, and the ambition to translate discoveries into real‑world applications are key.
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Completion of a PhD within a relevant field (e.g., chemical biology, organic chemistry, synthetic biology, computational chemistry or biology, materials science, human cell biology, physiology and pathology, biophysics, device engineering, biomedical engineering, nanoscience)
Proven record of research achievements, including publications in high‑impact journals and presentations at international conferences
Skill in data analysis and interpretation, with experience in one or more of the following areas desirable: single‑molecule techniques, protein engineering, bioorganic chemistry, stem cell and tissue culture, microfluidics, device design and fabrication, or computational modelling and analysis
Proven ability to work independently, think creatively, and solve complex experimental problems
Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify and resolve challenging technical issues
Broad understanding of current developments in relevant fields and the ability to identify promising directions for future research and technology development
Innovative thinking with a proactive approach to problem‑solving and scientific discovery
Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience of collaboration in multidisciplinary teams
Capacity to build and sustain productive collaborations internally and externally
Resilience, adaptability, and enthusiasm for working in a fast‑paced, high‑growth research environment
Benefits
Enhanced holiday pay
Pension
Life Assurance
Income Protection
Private Medical Insurance
Hospital Cash Plan
Therapy Services
Perk Box
Electrical Car Scheme
Why work for EIT
At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!
Terms of Appointment
You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary
You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford
During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme
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