Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Molecular Analysis of Bacterial Protein Transport

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

Job summary

A prestigious research institution is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to study the bacterial Type 9 Secretion System. You will conduct protein biochemical experiments and work collaboratively on structural analysis. Applicants should have a relevant PhD and expertise in protein characterization. The position offers a salary range of £42,794 - £47,779 per annum and a fixed-term contract for up to 3 years.

Benefits

Excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days annual leave

Comprehensive range of childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Membership to sports clubs

Discounted bus travel

Qualifications

• Hold or be near completion of a PhD/DPhil.
• Have substantive expertise in protein characterization and purification.
• Experience isolating proteins at native expression levels is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Carry out protein biochemical, cell biological, and live cell fluorescence imaging experiments.
• Collaborate for structural analysis using cryo-electron microscopy.

Skills

Protein characterization

Protein purification

Recombinant DNA techniques

Bacterial genetics

Quantitative fluorescence microscopy

Image analysis

Education

PhD/DPhil in Molecular Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biophysics or related discipline

Job description

Overview

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)

This post is a readvertisement. Previous applicants need not apply.

About the role

We are seeking to appoint a talented Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the group of Prof Ben Berks to study the bacterial Type 9 Secretion System. You 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)) by carrying out protein biochemical, cell biological, and live cell fluorescence imaging experiments. Associated structural analysis of the proteins by cryo-electron microscopy will be undertaken via collaboration with other workers.

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 molecular bacteriology or protein transport. You must have substantive expertise in protein characterization, protein purification, and recombinant DNA techniques. Experience of isolating proteins at native expression levels or from membranes, expertise in bacterial genetics, and expertise in quantitative fluorescence microscopy and image analysis would all be advantageous. 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, 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 181852. 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 two 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 29th September 2025. Only applications received before this time can be considered. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

Equality and Diversity

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

Contact Person: HR

Vacancy ID: 181852

Contact Phone

Contact Email: [e-mail]