Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist position in Molecular Biology to work on synthetic genome DNA assembly at the University of Oxford. This translational research opportunity is part of a major £6.7 million initiative funded by the UK government’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA). The successful candidate will join Professor Chris O’Callaghan’s team at the Centre for Human Genetics to engineer synthetic organelle genomes for real-world application in key agricultural crops.
Overview of the Position
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Molecular Biology |
| Host Institution | University of Oxford (Centre for Human Genetics) |
| Funding Agency | Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) |
| Salary / Pay Scale | Grade 7: £39,424 – £43,984 per annum (inclusive of Oxford University Weighting) |
| Research Area | Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology & DNA Assembly |
| Location | Oxford, United Kingdom |
| Contract Type | Full-time, Fixed-term until 31 May 2028 (with potential for 2–3 years extension) |
| Closing Date | 04 November 2026, 12:00 midday UK time |
Designation
Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Molecular Biology (Grade 7)
Research Area
Synthetic biology, recombinant DNA assembly, molecular cloning, and synthetic organelle genomics (focusing on chloroplast genomes in crops such as wheat and potato).
Location
Centre for Human Genetics, Building for Genomic Medicine, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, United Kingdom.
Scholarship / Project Description
Working alongside Professor Chris O’Callaghan and Dr Nathali Flores-Fernández, the appointed researcher will contribute to the advancement and application of pioneering DNA assembly technologies to build synthetic organelle genomes. This high-impact translational project collaborates with Professors Steve Kelly and Francesco Licausi to deploy synthetic chloroplast genomes into vital crop plants including potato (Solanum tuberosum) and wheat (Triticum aestivum), aiming to boost climate resilience and disease resistance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Planning, executing, and analysing molecular biology and biochemistry experiments within the laboratory.
- Assembling complex, large-scale DNA molecules (up to hundreds of thousands of base-pairs) using recombinant DNA methylase platforms.
- Expressing and purifying recombinant enzymes and handling bacterial cultures.
- Managing academic research workflows, drafting reports, and adapting new experimental protocols.
- Collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary partners across plant science and genetics.
Eligibility / Qualifications
- A PhD/DPhil (or near completion) in a relevant discipline, including Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.
- Demonstrated expertise and hands-on laboratory experience in molecular cloning, DNA assembly, and isolation of long DNA molecules.
- Proficiency in bacterial cell culture techniques and recombinant protein production/purification.
- Self-motivated with strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
- Experience or interest in bioinformatic and computational analysis is advantageous, although the post is primarily laboratory-based.
How to Apply
Candidates must submit their applications online through the University of Oxford recruitment portal. Please ensure you prepare and upload the following documents:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A comprehensive Supporting Statement clearly demonstrating how your experience, skills, and qualifications meet each of the post selection criteria.
Note: Please restrict uploaded files to your CV and Supporting Statement. Please quote vacancy ID 188879 in all correspondence.
Last Date for Apply
04 November 2026 at 12:00 midday (UK time).
Apply Link
Apply Online for Oxford Postdoctoral Research Scientist (Ref: 188879)
