Postdoctoral Researcher Full-time NEW

Postdoctoral Researcher

We have an exciting opportunity to join Dr. Dhanu Gupta's Research Group in the Department of Paediatrics as our Postdoctoral Researcher in Nanomedicine and Synthetic Biology. You will play an important role in the development of next-generation programmable delivery systems for nucleic acids and biologics, with a focus on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) for tissue-targeted therapeutic applications.

You will be responsible for the design, engineering and optimisation of LNP- and EV-based delivery platforms, and provide scientific leadership through close collaboration with internal and external partners, as well as effective project management and clear communication across interdisciplinary teams.

You will be working in a growing department within the Medical Sciences Division. The Department of Paediatrics is a world leader in child health research and hosts internationally renowned research programmes in drug development, gastroenterology, haematology, HIV, immunology, neuroimaging, neuromuscular diseases and vaccinology. The Gupta Research Group, led by Dr. Dhanu Gupta and supported by a BBSRC New Investigator Award, conducts research in synthetic biology and nanomedicine to build programmable, tissue-specific delivery technologies and has recently established novel platforms for engineering targeted extracellular vesicles and lipid nanoparticle systems.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for 2 years with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available. Part-time applications may be considered (with a minimum of 30 weekly hours).

The Department of Paediatrics is committed to equality and valuing diversity. The Department of Paediatrics has been honoured with the Athena Swan Gold award, a national gender equality charter, recognising the Department's innovative policies and practices. We are committed to the professional development of our staff by providing up to ten paid days annually for skill enhancement and allowing applications for additional training funding. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking department.

We welcome new staff with ideas who are willing to shape the future of the department that thinks about its staff and wellbeing. In addition to the University of Oxford wellbeing resources, the Department of Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp sessions as well as a choir. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees. These activities are designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.

You will have a PhD (or be close to completion) in bioengineering, nanomedicine, synthetic biology, molecular biology, chemical biology, or a related discipline, supplemented by relevant post-qualification experience in a research role, with proven and demonstrable technical skills in either nanoparticle formulation and nucleic acid delivery, or extracellular vesicle isolation, engineering and characterisation, alongside experience with in vitro cell-based assays. You will possess strong experimental design and data analysis skills, with the ability to independently plan, execute and troubleshoot complex experiments. You will have highly effective verbal and written communication skills with all levels of staff and an ability to operate effectively in a demanding and collaborative research environment.

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. Your application will not be processed if you do not include both documents. The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description.

To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Dr Dhanu Gupta, the Group Leader, using the contact details below.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 10 April 2026 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter. The Department of Paediatrics offers an Interview Expense Reimbursement Policy in its efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion. Should you be invited to interview, we will share further information about the policy at that stage.