Postdoctoral Research Associate in bacterial outer membrane structure and function

About the role

We are seeking to appoint a postdoctoral research associate with expertise in protein chemistry and structural approaches (principally cryoEM and cryoET) to dissect the recently discovered lattice-like organisation of the Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane, focusing primarily on Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The post, jointly supervised by Colin Kleanthous and Lindsay Baker in the Department of Biochemistry, is part of a Wellcome Trust Discovery Award involving groups in Oxford, University College London and the Rosalind Franklin Institute.

The post holder will exploit outer membrane protein labelling methods developed in Oxford for structure determination of purified complexes by single particle cryoEM and of supramolecular outer membrane proteins assemblies within vesicles by cryoET. The post holder will also develop a new cell surface biotinylation method with which to ascertain the near neighbours of specific outer membrane proteins within growing bacteria.

This full-time fixed-term post, and is funded by the Wellcome Trust for up to three 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.

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.

About you

The ideal candidate should have solved bacterial protein structures by cryoEM (or by X-ray crystallography) and used biochemical and biophysical approaches to dissect function. 

You should hold, or be close to completion, of a relevant PhD/DPhil in Biochemistry, Molecular Biophysics or a related subject area. You should also have proven experience in working within an interdisciplinary research environment.

Application Process

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

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. 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 10th February 2025.

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

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