"Postdoctoral Research Scientist for Antimicrobial Protein Crystallography and Assay Development"

Postdoctoral Research Scientist for Antimicrobial Protein Crystallography and Assay Development

Location: Centre for Medicines Discovery, NDM Research Building, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7FZ

The Centre for Medicines Discovery (CMD) is seeking a talented Postdoctoral Research Scientist to contribute to an ambitious antimicrobial research programme funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation under the Antimicrobial Grand Challenges (Gr-ADI) initiative. Working within the anti-infectives group led by Dr Annette von Delft, and in close partnership with the Protein Crystallography Small Research Facility (PX-SRF), this role provides an exceptional opportunity to work at the forefront of fragment-based lead discovery for Klebsiella targets. You will play a key role in structural and biochemical characterisation, driving drug discovery efforts in an international, multidisciplinary collaboration involving medicinal chemists, assay developers, structural biologists, clinicians, and data scientists.

You will manage multiple antimicrobial target projects, coordinating experimental progress across different stages of the gene-to-compound workflow. You will design and perform experiments, assemble and analyse structural and biochemical data, and execute crystallographic fragment screening (XChem) alongside protein–ligand structure analysis. You will help develop and optimise biochemical and biophysical assays and contribute to advancing fragment hits toward lead optimisation. The role includes preparing reports and publications, presenting research at meetings, collaborating with partners across institutions, advising colleagues on experimental techniques, and supporting the training of students and visitors. You will also use specialist structural biology equipment and contribute to the wider scientific environment of CMD.

It is essential that you hold a PhD/DPhil (or be close to completion) in structural biology, protein biochemistry, biophysics, chemical biology, or a related field. You must have hands-on experience with molecular biology and protein chemistry, protein crystallography and structure determination, and biophysical and biochemical assay development. You should be able to independently manage your research, maintain rigorous experimental records, interpret complex datasets, and contribute ideas to drive scientific innovation. Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to prepare publications, present at conferences, and collaborate with a diverse scientific team. You will enjoy working across disciplines, contributing to antimicrobial drug discovery initiatives, and supporting the growth of early-stage hit-to-lead chemistry initiatives. Experience with fragment screening, co-crystallisation, or structure-based small molecule discovery would be advantageous.

Applications for this vacancy should be made online and you will need to upload a supporting statement and CV. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. Please restrict your documentation to your CV and supporting statement only. Any other documents will be requested at a later date. Interviews will take place on the 3rd and 5th of February.

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract until 28 February 2029 and is funded by Novo Nordisk Fonden.

Only applications received before 12 midday on 29 January 2026 will be considered. Please quote 183839 on all correspondence.

Contact Person: Luke Gundry | Vacancy ID: 183839 | Closing Date & Time: 29-Jan-2026 12:00

Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 7 | Contact Email: recruitment@ndm.ox.ac.uk

Salary (£): Research Grade 7: £39,424 - £47,779 with a discretionary range to £53,483 p.a. (pro rata). This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).