Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemistry

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oxford invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemistry to join an interdisciplinary team exploring magnetoreception. You will contribute to the Quantum Sensing Nature and Synthetic Biology project, focusing on cryptochrome and how magnetically induced signals affect protein structure and interactions, ultimately guiding neuronal responses.

Applicants should hold a PhD in Biophysics or a related field, with hands-on protein expression, NMR and EPR

Qualifications

• PhD in Biophysics, Physics, Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Engineering or related area (or close to completion).
• Experience with cryptochrome and complex biomolecular systems.
• Independent researcher with strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental investigations on cryptochrome and magnetoreception mechanisms.
• Characterise how magnetically induced signals affect protein structure and interactions.
• Contribute to publications and project dissemination.

Skills

Protein expression

NMR

EPR

Biophysics

Education

PhD in Biophysics or related field

Tools

NMR techniques

Isotopic labelling

EPR spectroscopy

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemistry

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary team investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying magnetoreception - the ability of living organisms to sense magnetic fields. You will be contributing to the "Cryptochrome System" objective as well as Objective 2 of the project: tracing how initial magnetoresponses translate into changes in protein structure and interactions, ultimately leading to neuronal and behavioural responses.

Project overview

The BBSRC funded project Quantum Sensing Nature and Synthetic Biology explores how weak magnetic fields influence biochemical reactions in cryptochrome, initiating a signalling cascade that leads to a neuronal response. Using cutting-edge spectroscopic and biophysical techniques, we aim to understand this process from the quantum level to whole-animal behaviour. The broader goal is to develop magnetogenetic technologies for imaging and controlling cellular processes using magnetic fields.

About you

You will hold a PhD in Biophysics, Physics, Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Engineering or a related area (or be close to completion), prior to taking up the appointment. You will have a strong interest in and knowledge of complex biomolecular systems, hands on experience in the expression of proteins, including cryptochrome, have practical experience in NMR and isotopic labelling as well as expertise in EPR. You will be able to demonstrate competence and success in your previous research, together with a thorough understanding of your research area and evidence of independent intellectual and practical contributions to research projects. You will be a motivated, organised and proactive researcher, able to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment. Excellent communication skills, a willingness to develop new experimental techniques and the ability to communicate research findings clearly are essential. You will also be able to work supportively with other members of the research group, contributing to the exchange of knowledge and skills and providing guidance to junior colleagues where appropriate. Experience of independently managing a discrete area of a research project or contributing to the preparation of research articles for publication would be advantageous.

The University of Oxford and The Department of Chemistry are Silver Athena SWAN holders. Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in Chemistry research posts in Oxford.

Tagged as: Life Sciences