Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cryo-Electron Microscopy of DNA Repair Proteins

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with expertise in structural biology and biochemistry to join the lab of Prof Dmitry Ghilarov on a collaborative interdisciplinary project investigating how bacteria repair protein–DNA crosslinks induced by fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The project, co-supervised by Prof Stephan Uphoff, aims to understand the molecular mechanism of the bacterial exonuclease VII (Exo7) repair complex, which removes adducts of stalled type II topoisomerases from DNA and contributes to antibiotic tolerance. This research addresses fundamental questions in bacterial DNA repair and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with the potential to inform the development of new therapeutic strategies that enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated track record of successfully using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to solve biological problems and have experience with protein purification and characterisation. Skills in molecular biology and genetics, and experience with DNA-binding proteins are beneficial. They will use structural and biochemical approaches to determine how Exo7 recognises and processes DNA-protein crosslinks and how this pathway contributes to bacterial survival following antibiotic treatment. This work will be tightly coordinated with live-cell fluorescent microscopy approach undertaken in parallel in the Uphoff lab.

You will be working in a modern laboratory environment for protein purification, microbiology & molecular biology. Central Oxford cryo-EM facility (COSMIC) is equipped with a 200 kV Talos Arctica screening microscope with Falcon 4i detector and a 300 kV Krios microscope with K3 detector and an energy filter. We additionally have access to a large range of outstanding facilities at the Department of Biochemistry and the wider University of Oxford including a biophysical suite, proteomics, mass photometry and native mass-spectrometry equipment.

This full-time fixed-term post is funded by the BBSRC for up to 3 years in the first instance.

The actual starting salary offered will be based on qualifications and relevant skills acquired and will also be determined by the funding available.

About you

You will hold or be near completion of a PhD/DPhil in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics, or related discipline. You will have a passion for research and enthusiasm to work in a team on an interdisciplinary project, with the ability to design and execute independent research projects. You have excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication and present research findings at group meetings and conferences. Demonstrated experience in using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to solve biological problems and experience in protein expression, purification, and biochemical assays is essential.

What We Offer

Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

The University also runs an enormous amount of social groups and sports clubs for those looking for more than just a great place to work.

Application Process

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via www.recruit.ox.ac.uk and Vacancy ID 185636. You will be required to upload your curriculum vitae and a supporting statement, setting out how you meet the selection criteria for the post, using examples of your skills and experience. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement. As part of your application, you will be asked to provide details of two referees and indicate whether we can contact them now.

For further details, please refer to the How to apply section of the job description. Any further enquires may be directed to recruitment@bioch.ox.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Monday 18th May 2026. Only applications received before this time can be considered. Interviews for shortlisted candidates to be held as soon as possible thereafter.

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

Pay Scale: STANDARD RESEARCH GRADE 7 Salary (£): £42,794 - £47,779 per annum Location: Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford Contract type: Fixed Term Contract for up to 3 years in the first instance Hours: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)