Job Summary
The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology at the University of Oxford is seeking an ambitious Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the laboratory of Dr. Georgia Isom. This exciting project aims to uncover the molecular machinery that transports sphingolipids to the surface of Gram-negative bacteria, combining cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), native mass spectrometry, proteomics, and bacterial cell biology to answer a fundamental question in bacterial membrane biology.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Structural Biology, University of Oxford, UK
Key Job Details
| Feature | Details |
| Designation | Postdoctoral Research Associate in Structural Biology |
| Research Area | Structural Biology, Bacterial Membrane Biology, Sphingolipid Transport |
| Location | Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, South Parks Road, Oxford, UK |
| Pay Scale / Salary | Research Grade 7 (ยฃ39,424 – ยฃ47,779 per annum) |
| Vacancy ID | 187312 |
| Employment Type | Fixed-term (2 years in the first instance, with funds to extend) |
| Expected Start Date | Autumn/Winter 2026 |
| Closing Date & Time | Friday, 31st July 2026 at 12:00 Noon (UK Time) |
Research Area: Structural and mechanistic characterization of bacterial sphingolipid transport machinery using single-particle cry-EM.
Eligibility & Qualification
- Education: Hold, or be close to the completion of, a PhD in structural biology.
- Technical Experience: Proven experience in solving high-resolution structures using single particle cryo-EM.
- Core Skills: Highly motivated, exceptionally organized, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Job Description & Responsibilities
As the successful candidate, you will drive this pioneering project by combining structural and mechanistic approaches to identify and characterize bacterial sphingolipid transport systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Determine high-resolution single particle cryo-EM structures of sphingolipid transporters.
- Assess sphingolipid-transporter interactions and evaluate the role of sphingolipids in membrane homeostasis.
- Utilize a combination of mass spectrometry and cellular electron microscopy methods to achieve project milestones.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the University of Oxford’s recruitment portal.
- Prepare your CV and a comprehensive supporting statement detailing how you meet the selection criteria.
- Click the “Apply Now” button on the official vacancy page to upload your documents.
- For informal inquiries regarding the project or the role, you can contact Dr. Georgia Isom directly via email at georgia.isom@path.ox.ac.uk.
- For administrative or application process questions, contact the recruitment coordinator, Sarah Barefield, at sarah.barefield@path.ox.ac.uk.
Last Date to Apply: Only applications submitted online and received before noon on Friday, 31st July 2026 will be considered.
