university professor physics jobs

183770 – Senior Postdoctoral Researcher in Mechanobiology

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

Grade 8: £49,119 per annum

This is a fixed-term, full time position for 2 years

We are seeking a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher to participate in research project in the Biophysical Immunology (www.bpi-oxford.com) Lab led by Professor Marco Fritzsche as part of an CRUK Discovery Programme Foundation Award in close collaboration with Dr Robert Köchl between the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology (KIR) and Kings College London (KCL).

The focus of the post is the characterisation of the influence of the environment mechanics on CTL behaviour in in vitro assays and ex vivo tissue samples. This includes mechanical characterisation of tumour and healthy samples using atomic force microscopy. The post holder will determine the extent to which the combination of osmotic and mechanical tumour pressure influences CTL volume regulation, polarisation, and force production, as well as their function, especially tumour cell killing. It is expected that the post holder develops and pursues their own research project at the interface of mechanobiology, immunology, and cutting-edge microscopy technology and analysis.

As a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher, you will be responsible for developing research questions within the CRUK grant’s research programme led by Prof Marco Fritzsche, conducting individual research, analysing detailed and complex qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources, and generating original ideas by building on existing concepts. You will develop, establish, and pursue appropriate analytical protocols and techniques to support research. In addition, you will share responsibility for shaping the research group’s plans and the writing of group-funding applications for new research projects.

You must hold a PhD/DPhil in physics, engineering, biotechnology, or biophysics, with post-qualification research experience in biophysics, biomechanics, microscopy or relevant disciplines. You must have strong publication record in biophysics/biomechanics and familiarity with the existing literature and research in the field. Expertise in light sheet-based live cell and tissue fluorescence microscopy, is essential. Experience of independently managing a discrete area of a research project, along with experience of actively collaborating locally and internationally, is desirable.

Due to the nature of the research at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, this job will require additional security pre-employment checks:

The closing date for this position is 12 noon on 19 December 2025. You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application.

Please note, due to departmental closure over the Christmas period, shortlisting and interviews for this position will take place in January 2026