Post-Doctoral Research Assistant - UOD2285

University of Dundee; Dundee; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Dundee seeks an exceptional biophysicist/structural biologist to lead biophysical and structural characterisation of bifunctional chemical probes in the CONRTOL-MITO team. The role supports design-to-DMTA cycles, with emphasis on recombinant protein production and a range of biophysical assays.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD and have proven expertise in structural methods (X-ray, cryo-EM, NMR) and protein biochemistry, contributing to collaborative groups within

Qualifications

• PhD in structural biology/biophysics/biochemistry/chemical biology or related, with at least one authorship in an international peer‑reviewed journal.
• Extensive experience in structural biology/biophysics (X-ray, cryo-EM, or NMR).
• Strong background in molecular biology (construct design, cloning), protein expression, purification and characterisation.
• Experience executing/optimising biophysical/biochemical assays to study protein–ligand and protein–protein interactions (SPR, ITC, fluorescence-based assays, TR-FRET).

Responsibilities

• Design, express, and purify recombinant proteins for biophysical assays and structural studies.
• Develop and optimise in vitro biophysical and biochemical assays (SPR, ITC, TR‑FRET, AlphaLISA).
• Pursue co-crystal structures of ternary complexes by X-ray crystallography.
• Profile mitochondria-targeted bifunctional probes to inform DMTA cycles.

Skills

Structural biology

Biophysics

Molecular biology

Protein expression

Protein purification

Communication

Data interpretation

Education

PhD in structural biology/biophysics/biochemistry/chemical biology or related

Tools

X-ray crystallography

Cryo-EM

NMR spectroscopy

SPR

ITC

Job description

We are recruiting for an exceptional individual to join us as a biophysicist/structural biologist in our CONRTOL-MITO teamCiulli/Farnaby group. The primary scientific focus of this role is to support and drive the biophysical and structural characterisation of novel bifunctional chemical probes - including BromoTag/BromoCatch-dTag chimeric molecules and their mitochondria-targeted derivatives - developed within the project. This is a fixed-term appointment for 18 months from the 1st of September 2026. Your priorities will include: Designing, expressing, and purifying recombinant proteins (including BromoTag, BromoCatch, and dTagfused constructs) required for biophysical assay development and structural studies. Deploying and optimising a palette of in vitro biophysical and biochemical assays to characterise binary and ternary complex formation, including TR-FRET, AlphaLISA, SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance), ITC (Isothermal Titration Calorimetry), and NanoBRET. Pursuing co-crystal structures of BromoTag/BromoCatch-dTag ternary complexes by X-ray crystallography, using synchrotron data collection where required, to guide structure-based optimisation of chimeric probes and provide insight into exit vector selection and linker design. Profiling mitochondria-targeted bifunctional probes and click-chemistry precursors for target engagement and ternary complex formation in vitro, feeding directly into the design-make-test-analyse (DMTA) cycle operated jointly with the paired medicinal chemistry postdoc.

Who we're looking for:

A PhD in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, chemical biology, or a closely related discipline, with an outstanding academic track record and at least one co-authored publication in an internationally recognised peer-reviewed journal. Highly experienced in structural biology and/or biophysics, with demonstrated expertise in at least one of: protein X-ray crystallography (including data collection, structure solution, and model refinement), cryo-EM, or NMR spectroscopy. Strong background in molecular biology (construct design, cloning), protein expression (bacterial and/or mammalian/insect cell systems), purification, and characterisation. Experience executing and optimising biophysical and biochemical assays to study protein-ligand and protein-protein interactions (e.g. SPR, ITC, fluorescence-based assays, TR-FRET). Excellent communication and presentation skills and proficiency in English and an open, rigorous and reproducible approach to science. For further information about this position please contact Professor Alessio Ciulli ( [e-mail] ) or Dr Will Farnaby ( [e-mail] ). To find out more about the Ciulli group, Farnaby group or CeTPD, please visit the Website.

Commitment to DORA

The Faculty of Life Sciences has been fully committed to the principals of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) since 2013. In assessing applicants, we consider the scientific quality of their published research papers, but do not take into account where the papers were published and do not consider journal-based metrics, such as Journal Impact Factors. The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.