Postdoctoral Research Assistant In Engineering Biology

The Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford invites applications for a full‑time Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Engineering Biology. The position is based in the research groups of Professor Cathy Ye and Professor Wei Huang, located at the Headington/Begbroke site. Funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the appointment is fixed‑term until 31 March 2027, offering a stable opportunity to contribute to a high‑impact interdisciplinary project at the interface of synthetic biology, microbiology and food technology.

The primary objective of the project is to engineer simple cells (SimCells) – non‑dividing bacterial cells – that function as biocatalysts to transform waste streams generated during cultured meat production into valuable amino acids and growth factors. By up‑cycling these by‑products, the work aims to close nutrient loops and enhance the sustainability of cultured meat manufacturing. The postdoctoral researcher will be central to designing, building and testing these SimCell systems.

Responsibilities include: (1) performing single‑cell characterisation and collecting Raman phenotypic profiles of both SimCells and cultured meat samples using single‑cell Raman spectroscopy; (2) employing bioluminescence (luxCDABE gene cluster) and half‑life time GFP expression, coupled with GC/HPLC‑MS and flow cytometry, to monitor intracellular ATP levels, metabolic flux and product profiles in situ; (3) acquiring genotypic data via DNA sequencing and phenotypic data (protein production and Raman single‑cell profiling) to enable iterative refinement of AI‑predicted designs based on observed biochemical phenotypes. The role demands strong hands‑on experience with these analytical techniques and the ability to integrate data from multiple platforms.

Applicants must hold a PhD/D.Phil. (or be near completion) in microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology or a closely related area. Essential expertise includes solid knowledge of synthetic biology, microbiology and molecular cell biology, together with proven laboratory skills in the techniques listed above. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to work on interdisciplinary and collaborative research challenges, manage independent academic research activities, and contribute to publications, presentations and research income generation. Informal enquiries may be directed to Professor Cathy Ye ([email protected]) or Professor Wei Huang ([email protected]).

The post is funded by BBSRC, providing a competitive salary commensurate with the University of Oxford’s postdoctoral scale. The fixed‑term contract runs to 31 March 2027, with the possibility of extension subject to funding and performance. The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, reflecting its commitment to promoting women in science, engineering and technology. The working environment is collaborative, with access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities in the Department of Engineering Science and associated institutes.

Applications must be submitted online via the Department of Engineering Science website. Required documents include a covering letter/supporting statement (with a brief statement of research interests), a current CV, and the details of two referees. Only applications received before midday on Friday 26 June 2026 will be considered. Successful candidates will be expected to commence the role shortly after the selection process, with a start date to be agreed upon appointment.