Postdoctoral Research Associate(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking an ambitious and creative Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a collaborative research programme led by Professor Roslyn Bill (Aston University and University of Oxford). This full-time post is based at the University of Oxford and funded through an ERC Advanced Grant, offering an exceptional opportunity to work at the forefront of neurobiology, bioengineering, and advanced imaging.

The project explores how the subcellular localisation of aquaporin-4, a key brain water channel, regulates glymphatic clearance. Disruption of this clearance pathway is associated with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Globally, dementia affects more than 55 million people, highlighting the urgent need for innovative mechanistic research that could inform future therapeutic strategies.

Research Focus

Your primary responsibility will be to design and build a gliovascular interface-on-a-chip, creating a controlled microenvironment that enables precise investigation of glymphatic regulation. This will involve:

• Developing and optimising microfluidic platforms that replicate key features of the brain’s vascular and glial interface
• Culturing mammalian cells within microengineered systems
• Applying advanced imaging techniques to quantify molecular and cellular dynamics
• Contributing to data analysis, interpretation, publications, and collaborative grant outputs
• The role offers significant scope for intellectual contribution and technical innovation within a highly supportive, interdisciplinary research environment.

About You

You will be a motivated postdoctoral researcher with strong technical expertise and a curiosity-driven approach to science.

Essential requirements include:

• A PhD (completed or near completion) in cell biology, bioengineering, biosciences, molecular biology, or a closely related discipline
• Substantial hands-on experience with microfluidic devices or lab-on-a-chip systems
• Proven ability in mammalian cell culture
• Experience using advanced imaging methodologies
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines

Research Environment

The project is hosted jointly by Aston University and the University of Oxford, combining expertise in membrane biology, neurovascular research, and bioengineering. The work aligns with UK and international research priorities in dementia and neurodegenerative disease, supported by national research frameworks:
https://www.ukri.org

Visa and Right to Work

This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, subject to meeting Home Office criteria. Eligibility will be assessed at shortlist stage.
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Applicants requiring visa sponsorship may also be subject to immigration and security requirements relevant to research roles in the UK

What We Offer

Aston University provides a supportive and inclusive working environment with a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing and development. Benefits include:

• Excellent training and professional development opportunities
• A generous annual leave entitlement (30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and University closure days)
• Family-friendly and flexible working policies
• Access to staff wellbeing initiatives and facilities

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Your CV, including a list of publications or other research outputs
• A supporting statement clearly outlining your skills, experience, and what you would bring to the project