Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Electroactive Biomaterials for Cardiac Tissue Engineering Full-time NEW

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Electroactive Biomaterials for Cardiac Tissue Engineering

Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Botnar Research Centre (Marcela Botnar Wing), Headington, Oxford

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join Professor Malavika Nair's research group at the Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering (Botnar Research Centre, Headington, Oxford). The post is funded by an EPSRC New Investigator Award and is fixed-term to the 31st March 2027 in the first instance.

This exciting project aims to develop and validate innovative electroactive biomaterials and bioelectronic devices that promote cardiac regeneration by combining tissue engineering, biomaterials, stem cell biology and bioelectronics. Working closely with collaborators including Professor Christopher Toepfer (Department of Cardiovascular Medicine), you will fabricate and evaluate electroactive extracellular matrix-derived constructs designed to stimulate the maturation and function of cardiomyocytes. The project addresses critical challenges in cardiovascular disease by developing technologies that support tissue regeneration, mechanical function, electrical conduction and improved tissue perfusion.

You will contribute to the design, fabrication and biological validation of electroactive regenerative devices through activities including:

• Culturing and assessing induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs)
• Processing and synthesising electroactive biopolymers for regenerative medicine and controlled drug delivery
• Fabricating and physicochemically characterising bioelectronic devices
• Optimising electrical stimulation protocols for cardiomyocyte maturation
• Working with clinicians and academic cardiologists to develop physiologically relevant in vitro cardiomyopathy models

The successful candidate will also contribute to experimental design, data analysis, publication of research findings, collaborative projects, grant development and the wider activities of the research group.

You will hold (or have submitted your thesis for) a PhD/DPhil in a relevant discipline such as biological sciences, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering or materials engineering. You should have:

• Experience with iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte culture or relevant ex vivo cardiac models
• A strong record of research achievement and scientific publication
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent communication and scientific writing skills
• An interest in translating biomaterials and bioelectronic technologies towards regenerative medicine

Desirable experience includes:

• Independent management of research projects
• Biomaterials and microscopy
• High-throughput bioelectronic systems
• Collaborative publication development

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Malavika Nair (email: malavika.nair@eng.ox.ac.uk). Only online applications received before midday on the 3rd August 2026 can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, including a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit with the advertised position), 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.