Postdoctoral Research Scientist

We are seeking three Postdoctoral Research Associates to investigate an exciting and emerging area of tissue biology: how the extracellular matrix (ECM) acts as an essential signalling network in the establishment and maintenance of tissue function throughout the lifespan. The ECM is a critical but relatively understudied component of tissue biology. Not only is its healthy regulation essential for tissue function, but its dysfunction drives chronic diseases. Understanding its role requires a highly interdisciplinary approach that integrates principles from biology, physics and engineering. All projects will be undertaken in close collaboration with research groups across the University of Oxford. One position will focus on the role of ECM and basement membrane in development, in collaboration with Shankar Srinivas's laboratory; one will investigate the role of ECM regulation in joint degeneration and regeneration in osteoarthritis, working with Tonia Vincent's laboratory; and one will explore ECM-mediated mechanisms of tissue repair in spiny mouse, a model system of scarless wound healing, in collaboration with Paul Riley's laboratory. The ideal candidate will hold or be close to completion of a PhD/DPhil with sufficient specialist knowledge in mechanobiology, tissue biology, inflammatory disease, or developmental biology to work within established research programmes.

This post is available from 01st November 2026 until 26th August 2027 in the first instance.

• Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.
• Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols.
• Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate.
• Contribute ideas for new research projects.
• Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters.
• Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment.
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
• Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone.
• Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups.
• Contribute to discussions and share research findings with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups.

• Hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in the biological sciences or biomedical engineering, together with relevant experience.
• Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in mechanobiology, tissue biology, inflammatory disease, or developmental biology to work within established research programmes.
• Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities.
• Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations.
• Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.
• Experience of creating collaborative and inclusive environments with people from different backgrounds.

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

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.

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.