Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Engineering Biology

University of Oxford, Department of Engineering Science
Oxford
1 year ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Postdoctoral Fellow

Service Owner - Scientific Research

Postdoctoral Researcher

Senior Bioinformatician - Oxford

Postdoctoral Researcher - AI Trainer

Senior Clinical Information Scientist

We are seeking a full-time PDRA to join Oxford Centre for Tissue Engineering and Bioprocessing (OCTEB) at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science (Headington). The post is funded by BBSRC and is fixed-term for two years.

This project is to develop simple cell (SimCell, non-dividing bacteria cell) based biocatalyst to transform waste from cultured meat process into essential amnio acids and growth factors to achieve a sustainable production. You will be responsible for developing a bioreactor system in which immobilised SimCells can feed on mammalian cell culture waste and produce necessary amino acids and growth factors for mammalian cells.

You will hold a PhD/Dphil or be near completion* in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or a closely related field, together with relevant experience. Experience in designing bioreactors for mammalian cell culture and sufficient specialist knowledge in the cell encapsulation/immobilisation is also required. You will have the ability to manage own academic research and associated activities with an excellent publication record commensurable to the career stage and the ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation.



For more information about working at the Department, see


Only online applications received before midday on19th April 2024can 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.
Cell cultured meat, bioreactors, biomaterials for cell immobilisation, SimCells, Engineering biology

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Biotech Jobs for Non‑Technical Professionals: Where Do You Fit In?

Your Place in Britain’s Biotech Boom When most people picture biotechnology careers they imagine pipettes, petri dishes and white‑coated scientists in Cambridge or Oxford. Yet for every bench scientist there is an ecosystem of professionals who never set foot in the lab but are crucial to getting a therapy, diagnostic or food‑tech breakthrough to market. The UK BioIndustry Association (BIA) reports that non‑scientific vacancies now make up more than one‑third of all biotech job ads, and demand is accelerating. According to Vacancysoft’s Life Sciences Labour Market Trends (November 2024), biotech job postings in the Golden Triangle jumped 26 % year‑on‑year, with hotspots also emerging in Birmingham and Glasgow. Finance is following suit: the sector attracted £3.5 billion in investment during 2024, a 94 % rebound from 2023 levels. More capital means more hires in project management, regulatory affairs, and commercial operations. In short, biotech is not just for PhDs, and you don’t need to master CRISPR to make an impact. This guide explains the high‑growth, non‑technical roles; the transferable skills you already possess; real‑life transition stories; and a step‑by‑step plan to pivot into the UK’s most exciting industry.

Johnson & Johnson Biotech Jobs in 2025: Your Complete UK Guide to Joining the World’s Largest Healthcare Innovator

From the first mass‑produced sterile surgical dressings in the 1880s to first‑in‑class CAR‑T cell therapies in the 2020s, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has continuously re‑invented healthcare. Following the 2024 spin‑off of its consumer division (Kenvue) and the rebrand of Janssen to Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, the company now focuses squarely on pharmaceutical innovation, med‑tech and vision care. With revenues exceeding US $90 bn and a pipeline spanning oncology, immunology, vaccines and digital surgery, J&J remains a magnet for biotech talent. A quick scan of the Johnson & Johnson careers portal shows over 2,000 open roles in EMEA, with nearly 300 in the UK, across R&D, manufacturing, clinical affairs and data science. This guide explains how to land a Johnson & Johnson biotech job in 2025—from graduate scientist to principal data engineer.

Biotechnology vs. Pharmaceutical Research vs. Bioinformatics Jobs: Which Path Should You Choose?

The biotechnology sector has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting and impactful fields in science and industry. Driven by advancements in genetic engineering, molecular biology, and computational technologies, biotechnology is revolutionising healthcare, agriculture, environmental management, and beyond. In the UK, numerous start-ups, research institutes, and multinational corporations are investing heavily in biotech-related innovations, creating a wealth of new career opportunities. Yet for those looking to break into the biotech job market, the variety of roles can be overwhelming. You’ll often see “Biotechnology,” “Pharmaceutical Research,” and “Bioinformatics” used as catch-all terms, sometimes interchangeably. Which area truly suits your interests and skill set? And how do these subfields differ in day-to-day responsibilities, salary prospects, and future growth potential? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll demystify three key pillars of modern biotech—Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Research, and Bioinformatics. We’ll cover the distinct skills and typical job titles within each, highlight salary ranges in the UK, and provide real-world examples to help you visualise the work involved. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of which path best matches your passions and career goals. And if you’re ready to take the next step, visit www.biotechnologyjobs.co.uk to explore current vacancies, from research scientists to bioinformatics specialists.