Postdoctoral Research Associate in Structural Mass Spectrometry

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

38 days annual leave

Childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan

Social clubs membership

Discounted travel

Job summary

The University of Oxford’s Department of Biochemistry invites applications for a full-time, fixed-term post leading the group’s native mass spectrometry research within the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience. The post holder will work on SLC transporter biology in mammalian cells.

You should hold a PhD in a related field with extensive experience in native top-down MS on high‑resolution Orbitrap instruments, expertise in sample prep and data analysis (preferably Python), and a strong publication

Qualifications

• PhD/ DPhil in biophysical chemistry or related field.
• Experience with native top-down MS on high‑resolution Orbitrap platforms.
• Expertise in sample preparation, fragmentation techniques, and protein modification analysis.
• Experience in proteomics, lipidomics and membrane protein expression/purification.

Responsibilities

• Lead the group’s native MS research within the project.
• Contribute to studies on how SLC transporters are folded, modified, trafficked and regulated in mammalian cells.
• Collaborate with PI and senior researchers; publish findings.
• Develop and apply computational/data-analysis tools (Python) as part of the project.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

Orbitrap UHMR

Top-down MS

Sample prep

Proteomics

Lipidomics

Python

Membrane proteins

SLC transporters

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Biophysical Chemistry

Tools

Python tools

Mass spectrometry software

Job description

Location: Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU

About the role

Reporting to Professor Simon Newstead (Principal Investigator) and Dr Jo Parker (Senior Research Scientist), the post holder will be a member of the Newstead group in the Department of Biochemistry and Kavli Institute for Nanoscience, which studies the structure, mechanism and cellular biology of solute carrier (SLC) transporters. The post holder will lead the group's native mass spectrometry research, a discrete area within a larger programme on how SLC transporters are folded, modified, trafficked and regulated in mammalian cells.

This full-time fixed-term post is funded by the Wellcome Trust for up to 12 months 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 will hold, or be near completion of, a PhD/DPhil in biophysical chemistry, analytical chemistry, structural biology or a related discipline, with substantial experience in native top-down mass spectrometry using high-resolution hybrid Orbitrap instrumentation, including Thermo Fisher Orbitrap UHMR and Ascend platforms. You will demonstrate expertise in native mass spectrometry sample preparation, advanced fragmentation techniques, quantitative analysis of protein modifications and lipid interactions, alongside experience in proteomics, lipidomics and membrane protein expression and purification. You will also possess strong computational and data-analysis skills, including scientific software development, ideally using Python. Experience in SLC transporter research, glycoproteomics and open-source software development, together with a strong publication record, would be advantageous.

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 a large number of social groups and sports clubs for those looking for more than just a great place to work.

Application Process

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Monday 9th November 2026. 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

£42,794 to £47,779 per annum