Louise Johnson Associate Professorship of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

RFCSR; Oxford; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Biochemistry at the University of Oxford invites applications for the Louise Johnson Associate Professorship of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. This vital academic post forms part of a cohort recognizing Louise Johnson’s pioneering research and mentorship.

The successful candidate will lead an independent research program addressing fundamental questions in molecular and cellular biology, join interdisciplinary themes, and contribute to teaching and training at

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (DPhil/PhD) in a biologically related discipline and postdoctoral experience.
• Proven ability to establish and lead independent research and attract funding.
• Commitment to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and inclusive research culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead an independent research programme addressing molecular and cellular biology questions.
• Teach on the four-year MSc in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.
• Serve as Tutorial Fellow at Trinity College and participate in college activities.
• Contribute to widening access and outreach initiatives.

Skills

Molecular biochemistry

Independent research leadership

Publications track record

Grant/funding management

Teaching & mentoring

Communication skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Ethical research practices

Administration & outreach

Education

DPhil/PhD in biosciences

Job description

Louise Johnson Associate Professorship of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

General Description The Department of Biochemistry at the University of Oxford is inviting applications for the Louise Johnson Associate Professorship of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. This position forms part of a cohort of academic appointments established in recognition of Professor Louise Johnson’s pioneering research and his mentorship of women and other underrepresented scientists in the field.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant, collaborative, and internationally diverse academic community within the Department of Biochemistry. The role offers the opportunity to pursue an innovative and independent research programme addressing fundamental questions in the broad area of molecular and cellular biology. Depending on the research focus, the appointee will join one of the department’s interdisciplinary research themes that apply biochemical, biophysical, and computational approaches to key challenges in cell and developmental biology, genetics, microbiology, human health, and infectious disease processes.

The post holder will benefit from high-quality laboratory and office space in the Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, which houses the Department of Biochemistry and its advanced research facilities. The department provides access to outstanding colleagues, collaborative networks, and state-of-the‑art infrastructure including biological imaging, structural biology, and biochemical research facilities. The University is strongly committed to mentoring and career development at all career stages, and departmental research groups benefit from access to extensive training programmes for doctoral researchers and early‑career scientists.

In addition to leading an independent research programme, the successful candidate will contribute to the teaching and training of students in the Department of Biochemistry. This includes teaching on the four‑year Master’s‑level degree programme in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and serving as a Tutorial Fellow at Trinity College. The role also involves contributing to departmental and college academic activities and helping to maintain a supportive, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating research and teaching environment.

Applications are particularly encouraged from early‑or‑mid‑career researchers who are already leading, or have the clear potential to lead, innovative and independent research programmes. The University of Oxford actively welcomes applications from women, ethnic minority groups, and individuals from other backgrounds that are underrepresented in academic positions at the institution.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (DPhil/PhD) in a relevant biologically related discipline and have appropriate postdoctoral research experience. Candidates should demonstrate an internationally recognized research record or clear potential to achieve international recognition through impactful publications appropriate to their career stage.

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to establish and lead an independent research programme, secure competitive research funding, and contribute effectively to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. A commitment to fostering an ethical, inclusive, and collaborative research culture is essential. Candidates should also be willing to contribute to the administrative and outreach responsibilities of the department and college, including activities that support widening access to higher education.

Required Expertise/Skills

• Expertise in molecular and cellular biochemistry or related areas of biological science
• Ability to develop and lead an innovative, independent research programme
• Strong record of high-quality research publications or clear potential to achieve international recognition
• Capacity to obtain and manage research funding
• Experience or commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills suitable for academic collaboration and teaching
• Ability to supervise students and contribute to training and professional development
• Commitment to fostering inclusive and ethical research practices
• Willingness to contribute to departmental and college administration, outreach, and widening access initiatives

Salary Details

Combined University and College salary on a scale from £52,815 to £70,918 per annum, increasing each year to the top of the scale, plus additional college allowances where applicable.

Application Deadline

12:00 noon on Monday, 20 April 2026