Postdoctoral Researcher – Antiviral Drug Discovery at University of Oxford

This is a wonderful opening for an enthusiastic Postdoctoral Scientist who wants to drive research into novel antiviral agents with the potential to limit the impact of future emerging viral threats to human health.

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will join the DNA repair group of Dr Joseph Newman which has extensive experience of the structural biology of helicases and nucleases important to human health. As a group, you will be investigating the structure and function of viral helicases with a view to discovering novel broad-spectrum antiviral medicines.

You will be responsible for executing bench level experiments, with the expectation that you will be able to write protocols, contribute to the design of experimental plans and develop new scientific techniques. You will provide compound bound protein structures to guide structure-based drug discovery. You will develop biochemical and biophysical assays to validate hit molecules from fragment screening. You will also be responsible for carefully analysing data, making detailed experimental observations and communicating critical input on experimental designs.

It is essential that you hold a PhD (or close to completion) in structural biology, biochemistry or a related subject together with relevant laboratory experience. You will have experience in recombinant protein production and biochemical and/or biophysical assays. You will have the ability to manage your own research and take responsibility for administrative activities such as management of lab reagent stock, lab book writing. You will also have good team-working skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a dynamic team and excellent communication skills, including the ability to write text that can be published, present data at conferences, and represent the research group at meetings.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience.   

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract until 25 April 2025 with possibility of extension and is funded by NIH READDI-AC Developmental Award. 

Only applications received before 12 midday on Thursday 16 November 2023 will be considered. Please quote 166878 on all correspondence.