"Postdoctoral Research Associate in Transporter Structural Biology & Signalling Mechanisms"

About the role

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Professor Simon Newstead’s laboratory, supporting a Wellcome Discovery Award on Solute Carrier Biology: Linking Transport and Signalling in the Cell. This is an exceptional opportunity to work at the interface of structural biology, biophysics and cell biology, exploring the architecture and function of membrane protein complexes involved in organelle homeostasis, metabolic regulation and organellar signalling pathways. You will be based in the Department of Biochemistry and the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, providing ready access to state-of-the-art facilities, including high-end cryo-EM, advanced protein production platforms, mass spectrometry (native/lipidomic/proteomic) and cellular imaging (super resolution/electron tomography). Importantly, you will contribute to cutting-edge research with clear translational relevance in metabolic diseases, drug pharmacokinetics and tissue homeostasis.

In this role, you will manage your own research within the project, leading experimental design, protein production, purification, and structural, biophysical and cellular characterisation of solute carrier complexes. You will independently collect and analyse cryo-EM and super-resolution imaging data, adapt and develop new protocols, generate nanobodies and contribute to research publications, grant applications, and presentations at national and international conferences. You will collaborate closely with internal and external partners and play a valuable role in advising colleagues and supervising students.

This full-time fixed-term post is funded by the Wellcome Trust 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 or a relevant subject and have experience in structural biology of membrane proteins using single particle cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography; biophysical studies of membrane proteins using single-molecule FRET; or cell biology. You will have the ability to manage the day-to-day running of a research project, work as part of a team, and organise and prioritise your own work with minimal supervision. Excellent communication skills are also expected, including the ability to present work at international symposiums and to non-specialist audiences.

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 184309. 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 9th February 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

Location: Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Biochemistry Department, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU

Pay Scale: STANDARD RESEARCH GRADE 7 Salary: £42,794 to £47,779 per annum

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract for up to 3 years Hours: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)