Postdoctoral Research Associate in biochemistry and structural biology

**Pay Scale:** STANDARD GRADE 7



**Salary ( £)**: £40,847 - £45,763 per annum, salary inclusive of a
pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,500 per year



**Location:** Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford



**Contract type:** Fixed Term



**Hours:** Full-time





**About the role**





Dr. Frank Bürmann leads a research group investigating the molecular
mechanisms of chromosome remodelling. The team employs biochemical
reconstitution, electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM), and advanced bacterial
genetics to explore how cells control the three-dimensional structure of DNA.
We investigate how structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complexes shape
chromosomes by DNA loop extrusion, how they cooperate with DNA topoisomerases,
and how bacteriophages and other infective agents manipulate host chromosomes
and defences.





We are seeking a motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Research Associate in
biochemistry and structural biology to join our expanding team. This is an
exciting opportunity to contribute to pioneering research at the forefront of
structural chromosome biology. You will investigate the molecular mechanisms
of SMC complexes using cryo-EM, with the aim of directly visualising their
activities. You will employ a multi-disciplinary approach, including
protein/nucleic acid biochemistry and bacterial genetics, to test and generate
hypotheses. You will develop new ideas and approaches and provide guidance to
less experienced members of the team.





This full-time fixed-term post is funded by the Wellcome Trust for up to 4
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.





**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.





**About you**





You will hold, or be near completing, a PhD/DPhil degree in a relevant
biological discipline. Good communication and documentation skills, and the
ability to work effectively as part of a team are essential. You will be self-
motivated, creative, and persistent, with a proven ability to address
challenging research questions. You will have experience in protein
chromatography, recombinant DNA techniques, and quantitative data analysis.
The research involves cryo-EM sample preparation, data acquisition, and
analysis, so experience in these areas would be advantageous.





**Application Process**





Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via www.recruit.ox.ac.uk
and Vacancy ID 175961. 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
recruitment@bioch.ox.ac.uk.





The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon on **Monday 18th November
2024**. Only applications received before this time can be considered.
interviews for shortlisted candidates to be held on as soon as possible
thereafter.





**Committed to equality and valuing diversity**