Postdoctoral Research Associate in Colloid Physics

Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Colloid Physics to join the research group of Professor Madhavi Krishnan within the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oxford.

The Krishnan Lab works in the broad area of soft condensed matter at the nanometre scale, with a longstanding interest in measuring, understanding and manipulating interactions between charged particles and molecules in solution.

Recently the lab's work has shed much needed light on the long-standing and counterintuitive observation of attraction between similarly charged particles in solution.

In a series of papers, we described the mechanism behind an "electrosolvation force" that can drive such an attraction (J Chem Phys 2020, Langmuir 2022, Nature Nanotech 2024, Nature Communications 2025, Rep. Prog. Phys. 2026, Langmuir 2026),

The group is consolidating the initial discovery and is looking for a highly motivated and driven postdoctoral researcher in the area of colloid physics to contribute strongly to ongoing discoveries on the electrosolvation force. The project will use a range of optical methods to examine and measure interactions in colloidal systems. The research requires strong interest in and knowledge of the broad area of soft matter, with expertise in microscopy, optical imaging, and data analysis.

You will work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research environment, developing and applying experimental techniques, analysing research findings and contributing to scientific publications and presentations.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), fixed-term post for up to 12 months initially, based in the Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford.

You will hold a PhD in Biophysics, Physics, Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Engineering or a related area (or be close to completion), prior to taking up the appointment.

You will have a strong interest in and knowledge of soft matter physics, together with expertise in microscopy, optical imaging and data analysis. Experience and expertise in optical trapping, particularly building or modifying experimental setups for optical imaging, trapping and force measurement, are essential.

You will be able to demonstrate competence and success in your previous research, together with a thorough understanding of your research area and evidence of independent intellectual and practical contributions to research projects.

You will be a motivated, organised and proactive researcher, able to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment. Excellent communication skills, a willingness to develop new experimental techniques and the ability to communicate research findings clearly are essential.

You will also be able to work supportively with other members of the research group, contributing to the exchange of knowledge and skills and providing guidance to junior colleagues where appropriate.

Experience of independently managing a discrete area of a research project or contributing to the preparation of research articles for publication would be advantageous.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. As part of your application, you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV.

Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post, using clear examples drawn from skills and experience. Please note that certificates, references and research papers should not be provided at this stage.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday, Monday 16 November 2026, UK time. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

The University of Oxford and The Department of Chemistry are Silver Athena SWAN holders. Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in Chemistry research posts in Oxford.

Salary (£): £40,178 - £48,700 per annum (inclusive of Oxford University Weighting)