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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to drive antimicrobial drug discovery through innovative research and collaboration.
- Company: Centre for Medicines Discovery, leading in antimicrobial research with a collaborative spirit.
- Benefits: Full-time contract until 2029, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against infections while advancing your scientific career.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field with hands-on experience in protein chemistry and structural biology.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse experts and contribute to groundbreaking research initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Centre for Medicines Discovery (CMD) is seeking a talented Postdoctoral Research Scientist to contribute to an ambitious antimicrobial research programme funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation under the Antimicrobial Grand Challenges (Gr-ADI) initiative. Working within the anti-infectives group led by Dr Annette von Delft, and in close partnership with the Protein Crystallography Small Research Facility (PX-SRF), this role provides an exceptional opportunity to work at the forefront of fragment-based lead discovery for Klebsiella targets.
You will play a key role in structural and biochemical characterisation, driving drug discovery efforts in an international, multidisciplinary collaboration involving medicinal chemists, assay developers, structural biologists, clinicians, and data scientists. You will manage multiple antimicrobial target projects, coordinating experimental progress across different stages of the gene-to-compound workflow. You will design and perform experiments, assemble and analyse structural and biochemical data, and execute crystallographic fragment screening (XChem) alongside protein–ligand structure analysis. You will help develop and optimise biochemical and biophysical assays and contribute to advancing fragment hits toward lead optimisation.
The role includes preparing reports and publications, presenting research at meetings, collaborating with partners across institutions, advising colleagues on experimental techniques, and supporting the training of students and visitors. You will also use specialist structural biology equipment and contribute to the wider scientific environment of CMD.
Qualifications
It is essential that you hold a PhD/DPhil (or be close to completion) in structural biology, protein biochemistry, biophysics, chemical biology, or a related field. You must have hands‑on experience with molecular biology and protein chemistry, protein crystallography and structure determination, and biophysical and biochemical assay development. You should be able to independently manage your research, maintain rigorous experimental records, interpret complex datasets, and contribute ideas to drive scientific innovation. Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to prepare publications, present at conferences, and collaborate with a diverse scientific team. You will enjoy working across disciplines, contributing to antimicrobial drug discovery initiatives, and supporting the growth of early‑stage hit‑to‑lead chemistry initiatives. Experience with fragment screening, co‑crystallisation, or structure‑based small molecule discovery would be advantageous.
Application Process
Applications for this vacancy should be made online and you will need to upload a supporting statement and CV. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. Please restrict your documentation to your CV and supporting statement only. Any other documents will be requested at a later date. Interviews will take place on the 3rd and 5th of February.
Contract and Funding
This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract until 28 February 2029 and is funded by Novo Nordisk Fonden.
Deadline
Only applications received before 12 midday on 29 January 2026 will be considered.
Postdoctoral Research Scientist for Antimicrobial Protein Crystallography and Assay Development in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Scientist for Antimicrobial Protein Crystallography and Assay Development in Oxford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in your field! Attend conferences, seminars, or even local meet-ups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your hands-on experience with protein crystallography and assay development. We want to hear about your projects and how you’ve tackled challenges in your research.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the Centre for Medicines Discovery and their antimicrobial research programme. We suggest you come armed with questions and insights about their work. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure your CV and supporting statement highlight your relevant skills and experiences clearly, so we can see how you fit into our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Scientist for Antimicrobial Protein Crystallography and Assay Development in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure you clearly address each selection criterion with specific examples from your experience. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experiences that match the job description. Focus on your hands-on experience with molecular biology, protein chemistry, and any other key areas mentioned. We love seeing how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application documents clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate clarity, and it helps us understand your qualifications better!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and the specific projects you’ve worked on. Be ready to discuss your methodologies, results, and how they relate to the antimicrobial research programme. This will show your passion and expertise.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about protein crystallography, assay development, and molecular biology techniques. Brush up on your knowledge and be prepared to explain complex concepts clearly. This will demonstrate your technical proficiency and ability to communicate effectively.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with a multidisciplinary team, be ready to share examples of past collaborations. Highlight how you’ve successfully worked with chemists, biologists, or data scientists, and how you contributed to achieving common goals.
✨Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement
Your supporting statement is crucial. Tailor it to address each selection criterion with specific examples from your experience. This is your chance to shine, so make it clear why you’re the perfect fit for the role and how your skills align with their needs.
