Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Structural Biology

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Structural Biology

University of Oxford

Location: Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, South Parks Road, Oxford

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and self-motivated scientist to join the lab of Dr Katerina Toropova at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford. The project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of dynein-2 transport in cilia using cutting-edge structural and biochemical approaches.

Transport within cilia, the cell’s signalling and sensory antennae, is central to human biology. It enables these cell-surface organelles to assemble and dynamically change their proteome in response to stimuli, allowing them to transduce signals to the cell interior. Dynein-2 lies at the heart of these processes, as it is the molecular motor responsible for all retrograde transport from the tip of cilia to the cell body. Its mutation causes severe developmental and degenerative conditions. Despite its central role, how dynein-2 utilizes the energy from ATP hydrolysis to power retrograde transport remains poorly understood. It is also unclear how the conformational landscape of dynein-2 is affected by disease-causing mutations.

This project involves using a multi-scale structural biology approach, involving cryo-EM, cryo-ET, FIB milling, and biochemical methods to understand mechanisms of dynein-2 transport, building on recent advances in the group (NSMB 2017 PMID 28394326; NSMB 2019 PMID 31451806; NSMB 2025 PMID 40730907; Cell 2022, PMID: 36462505). The research will be conducted in a friendly and supportive atmosphere with access to outstanding facilities and within a vibrant postdoc community. The Toropova lab collaborates closely with the lab of Dr Anthony Roberts at the Dunn School with shared group meetings and lab space.

The applicant should hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, or Molecular/Cell Biology. Experience in protein expression and purification are required for this position. Experience in cryo-EM, cryo-ET, or FIB milling would be an advantage, but is not essential as training can be provided.

The post-holder will be responsible for managing their own academic research, establishing and optimising protocols, designing and accurately executing experiments, and contributing conceptually to the overall research programme. Good organisational and communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team are essential.

This is a full-time position available for 3 years in the first instance, with a possibility of extension. If you are interested in this role, and have the skills and experience we are looking for, please apply online. You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application. The supporting statement should describe how you fit the criteria for the role, including your motivation and curiosity about the research project.

Informal enquiries about this post can be addressed to Dr Katerina Toropova: katerina.toropova@path.ox.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday on the 15 May 2026. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.