Contract type: Fixed term until September 30, 2031

Hours: Full time

About the role

We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral scientist to work on our research team. You will be based in the Old Campus Research Building in the Tumor Development and Cell Identity Laboratory, as your normal workplace.

You will join the SMOC (Stem Cell Signatures of Mutational System in Colorectal Cancer) study, a program designed with funding from Cancer Research UK and led by the University of Oxford. The project aims to reveal how the sequence of genetic mutations in colorectal cancer drives changes in stem cell identity, epigenetics, tumor microenvironment interactions, and response to treatment.

You will lead multi-omic and phenotypic profiling of gene-edited organs and patients in the SMOC study. This will include bulk and single-cell RNA, ATAC-SEQ, DNA methylation profiling, and proteomics, integrated with high-content live imaging datasets (SPOT/SAM analysis). You will develop pipelines to link genotype, transcriptome, genomic, and morphotypes, and use them to explore how mutation order shapes stem cell identity, heterogeneity, and response to therapy.

The role provides broad opportunities for collaborative and interdisciplinary science, working closely with experimental biologists, computational modelers and clinical partners. You will be placed in mechanical insights and translation applications, with the opportunity to lead prominent publications.

About you

You will be pursuing (or be close to completing) a PhD in molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field. You will bring strong experience in single-cell and/or bulk multi-omics techniques, with skills in data analysis and interpretation. Familiarity with colorectal cancer biology, epigenetics, or advanced imaging/phenotyping would be an advantage.

You will have a strong publishing record, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work across disciplines. A collaborative mindset and drive to integrate complex data into new biological insights will be key.

This full-time/part-time post is available immediately for a period of six years in the first instance.

Application process

If you would like to discuss this role, please get in touch simon.buczacki@nds.ox.ac.uk

Applications for this vacancy are submitted online. You will be asked to upload a statement of support, setting out how you meet the selection criteria, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application. Please quote reference NDSA967B on all correspondence.

Applications received before Monday, October 27, 2025 may be considered.

Interviews will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those who are underrepresented in higher education. No applicant or member of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.