Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Engineering Biology

We are seeking a full-time postdoctoral research assistant to work with the groups of Prof Wei Huang and Prof Harrison Steel at the Department of Engineering Science in Oxford. The post is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and is fixed-term for up to thirty six months with the possibility of extension, subject to additional confirmation of funds.

This position is part of the recently funded EPSRC Programme Grant “EEBio: Efficient engineering and control of predictable and reliable biotechnologies”, a collaboration between the universities of Oxford, Bristol, and Imperial College as well as more than two dozen industry and academic partners. The research project will develop new technologies underpinning Synthetic/Engineering Biology, with the goal of transforming the field to add reliability, robustness, and predictability throughout the biological design process. This will be addressed with a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach with the programme developing new wetware, software, hardware, and theory; this position will focus on applying these to challenges in Biomedicine including via engineered bacterial therapeutic agents. This fast-paced project will give the candidate the opportunity to develop new skills by working closely with our interdisciplinary team, and build their international profile including via work with our academic and SME collaborators.

Applicants should hold a PhD/DPhil (or be near completion) in fields related to Bioengineering, Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related Biological or Medical Sciences. You should have an interest in innovative problem solving, and working as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Wei Huang and Harrison Steel (email: [email protected], [email protected])

For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/

Only online applications received before midday on Monday, 5th February 2024 can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, that includes a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit the advertised position), a CV, and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.