Postdoctoral Research Associate in Natural Product Chemistry

University-of-Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oxford invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Natural Product Chemistry. You will lead a biochemical project exploring antifungal compounds derived from bdelloid rotifers, joining a multidisciplinary team spanning Biology, Pharmacology and Chemistry at Oxford.

The role requires a PhD in chemistry/biochemistry or chemical biology, with hands-on experience in purification, structure elucidation, and biosynthetic studies.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline and strong research background.
• Experience purifying chemicals from complex biological mixtures or elucidating chemical structures.
• Experience with biosynthetic pathways or synthetic biology approaches is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead extraction and purification of antifungal compounds from bdelloid rotifer sources.
• Elucidate chemical structures and mechanisms of action of active compounds.
• Investigate biosynthetic origins and pathways; propose diversification strategies.
• Perform bioactivity and toxicity assays and analyze results.
• Publish findings and contribute to research translation.

Skills

Research experience

Chemical biology

Biochemistry

Analytical thinking

Education

PhD in Chemistry / Biochemistry / Chemical Biology

Tools

NMR

Mass spectrometry

Chromatography

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Natural Product Chemistry

Life and Mind Building, South Parks Road and Department of Pharmacology, Mansfield Road, Oxford

About the role

The Oxford Martin Programme on Safer Antifungals aims to unlock a new generation of naturally inspired products to combat fungal diseases in agriculture and medicine. You will lead a biochemical research project exploiting a novel source of natural antifungal products.

The work centres on microscopic freshwater animals called bdelloid rotifers, which naturally protect themselves from fungi using genes acquired through horizontal DNA transfer. You will join an interdisciplinary team translating this recent discovery into a platform for identifying safer antifungal compounds bringing together expertise from Biology, Pharmacology, Chemistry, Medicine, the Ineos Oxford Institute and Oxford University Innovation. Your work will include bioactivity‑guided extraction and purification of antifungal compounds, elucidation of their structure and mechanism of action, investigation of biosynthetic origins and candidate pathways, chemical or biosynthetic diversification of hit compounds, performing assays for biological activity and toxicity, and writing up and communicating results in scientific publications and for future research translation.

About you

The successful applicant will have strong research expertise and specialist knowledge in chemistry, biochemistry, biosynthetic chemistry or related area of chemical biology, including a PhD in a relevant discipline. They will have prior relevant laboratory experience in one or more of the following areas: purifying chemicals from complex biological mixtures; elucidation of chemical structures for biologically active molecules; or genetic and synthetic‑biology approaches to natural product synthesis, including biosynthetic pathway elucidation and reconstruction of bioactive molecules. They will show initiative in developing research ideas and methodologies, have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and in advising and supervising other team members. Strong interest or experience in research translation and innovation is also desirable.

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity, and to being a place where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under‑representated within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

This post is full time (although applications to work >50% of full time are welcome) and available from 1 January 2027 for 36 months (or until 31 December 2029).

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Wednesday 11 November 2026, interviews are likely to be scheduled for mid-November 2026. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system, and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application.