Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU Contract & job type: Full-time, Fixed-term for 18 months or until 30 November 2028 (whichever is soonest) About us: The Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery (Kavli INsD), established in March 2021, brings together over 30 faculty and 450 researchers across disciplines to tackle global health challenges. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and providing cutting-edge facilities, it encourages innovation and shared discovery, and benefits from the close proximity of the scientific departments as well as advanced imaging and characterisation facilities and state-of-the-art-instrumentation. At the 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: This post is available immediately for a fixed-term of 18 months or until 30 November 2028 (whichever is soonest), with the possibility of part-time appointments being considered. Key responsibilities:
1. Design and optimise lipid and polymer nanoparticle-based nucleic acid or small molecule delivery systems (e.g. LNPs, polyplexes, lipid–polymer hybrids).
2. Perform formulation characterisation and stability studies (e.g. structure, size, charge, encapsulation, release kinetics).
3. Conduct in vitro delivery and functional assays, including transfection, cytokine profiling, and protein expression.
4. Contribute to translation-focused optimisation, including mucosal delivery, immune compatibility, and scalability.
5. Undertake the associated data analysis and interpretation, ensuring validity and reliability of data at all times.
6. Manage your own research activities, including administrative tasks associated with the project.
7. Actively participate in the multidisciplinary environment of the Stevens Group and collaborate with external research groups.
Selection criteria:
8. Hold, or be near to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in bioengineering, biomedical sciences, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or related field.
9. Experience in formulation of lipid or polymer nanoparticle systems for nucleic acid or small molecule delivery.
10. Experience in an array of nanoparticle characterisation techniques (e.g. DLS, FCS, flow cytometry, super resolution microscopy, SANS/SAXS, cryoTEM)
11. Strong understanding of structure–function relationships in therapeutic delivery systems.
12. Proven experience in cell-based transfection assays and delivery evaluation.
13. Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations, with a proven track record of first author publications in peer reviewed journals.