Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Nanoscale Electrostatics and Biophysics

186733 – Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Nanoscale Electrostatics and Biophysics

Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS)

Grade 7: Salary in the range of £39,424-£43,984 per annum. This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year.

This is a full time (100% FTE), fixed term position 3 years.

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) is part of the Medical Sciences Division and is the largest European academic department in its field, running a globally competitive programme of research and teaching.

The Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences enables and encourages research and education into the causes of musculoskeletal disease and their treatment. The Centre provides world-class facilities for scientists in the field of musculoskeletal research.

The Karedla Group develops next-generation optical microscopy and spectroscopy methods to uncover the physical principles governing immune-cell function. The laboratory brings together technology development at the Rosalind Franklin Institute with immunology at the Botnar Institute, supported by established collaborations across NDORMS and with research groups throughout the UK.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

About the Role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to participate in research in the Quantitative Immunodynamics Laboratory led by Dr. Narain Karedla as a part of an ERC Starting Grant project MIETEN (Metal-Induced Energy Transfer based Electrometry and Nanometry). In this role, you will contribute to the ERC-funded MIETEN programme by developing and applying quantitative fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy methods for single-molecule charge measurements, and nanoscale membrane electrostatics. You will also adapt existing scientific techniques and develop new experimental techniques to investigate how molecular and membrane electrostatics regulate immune-cell signalling and immune cell - target cell interactions, using engineered substrates, electroactive biointerfaces, and membrane-mimetic systems. This position involves the use of specialist laboratory equipment, including advanced fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy platforms such as the PicoQuant Luminosa, to generate, analyse and interpret imaging, fluorescence lifetime, single-molecule, correlation spectroscopy and other biophysical data.

About You

You will hold a PhD/DPhil (or near completion) in physics, biophysics, physical chemistry, nanoscience, bioengineering or a closely related discipline together with a strong background in quantitative fluorescence microscopy or spectroscopy, with experience in methods related to single-molecule, or membrane biophysics. You will have demonstrable experience in developing, fabricating and characterising, for example, engineered substrates, nanoscale devices, electroactive biointerfaces, or thin-film platforms for optical, electrochemical, or biological measurements. You will also have the ability to design, plan, and independently manage academic research and associated activities as well as evidence of research productivity appropriate to career stage, including publications, preprints, conference presentations, or other relevant research outputs. Experience with FCS, FLCS, single-molecule fluorescence, super-resolution microscopy, or photon-counting/TCSPC methods is desirable.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. Please quote 186733 in all correspondence.

The closing date for applications is 12pm 3 July 2026.

Interviews will take place during week commencing 20 July 2026 and will be hybrid.