Postdoctoral Research Associate in live cell single molecule fluorescence imaging of bacteria

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious research institution in Oxford is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to study bacterial systems using advanced imaging techniques. Candidates should have a PhD near completion in relevant fields and expertise in fluorescence microscopy. The position offers a salary between £42,794 - £47,779 per annum and is funded for up to 3 years. Applications close on 17th November 2025.

Benefits

Excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days annual leave

Comprehensive range of childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Membership to social and sports clubs

Discounted bus travel and season ticket loans

Qualifications

• Hold or near completion of a relevant PhD/DPhil.
• Expertise in fluorescence microscopy and image analysis.
• Good publication record in relevant areas.

Responsibilities

• Study bacterial Type 9 Secretion System through imaging.
• Conduct underpinning genetic and biochemical experiments.

Skills

Advanced fluorescence imaging

Molecular bacteriology

Fluorescence microscopy

Image analysis

Programming for quantitative analysis

Education

PhD/DPhil in Molecular Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biophysics

Job description

Pay Scale: STANDARD RESEARCH GRADE 7

Salary (£): £42,794 - £47,779 per annum

Location: Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract for up to 3 years in the first instance

Hours: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)

About the role

We are seeking to appoint a talented Postdoctoral Research Associate to study the bacterial Type 9 Secretion System and gliding motility apparatus through single molecule fluorescence imaging approaches. Underpinning genetic and biochemical experiments will also be required. The project will build on our recent work in this area ( Nature (2018) 564: 77, Nat Microbiol (2021) 6: 221, Nat Microbiol (2024) 9: 1089, bioRxiv (2025)). You will work in the group of Prof Ben Berks FRS (Oxford Biochemistry) in collaboration with Prof Richard Berry (Oxford Physics).

This full-time fixed-term post is funded by the Wellcome Trust for up to 3 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.

About you

You should hold, or be near completion of, a PhD/DPhil in Molecular Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biophysics or related discipline, and should have a background in either advanced fluorescence imaging or molecular bacteriology. You must have substantive expertise in at least two of: fluorescence microscopy and image analysis, particularly in live bacteria or at the single molecule level; programming commensurate with quantitative fluorescence microscopy analysis and single molecule tracking; molecular bacteriology; recombinant DNA methodology including construction of bacterial chromosomal mutations. You will be highly organised with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team and have good communication skills. A good publication record is expected in areas broadly relevant to the project, taking career stage into account.

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.

Application Process

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via www.recruit.ox.ac.uk and Vacancy ID 182767. 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 three 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 [e-mail].

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Monday 17th November 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

Contact Person: HR Team

Vacancy ID: 182767

Contact Phone

Closing Date & Time: 17-Nov-2025 12:00

Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 7

Contact Email: [e-mail]

Salary (£): £42,794 - £47,779 per annum