Postdoctoral Research Associate in Structural Mass Spectrometry

Location: Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU

About the role

Reporting to Professor Simon Newstead (Principal Investigator) and Dr Jo Parker (Senior Research Scientist), the post holder will be a member of the Newstead group in the Department of Biochemistry and Kavli Institute for Nanoscience, which studies the structure, mechanism and cellular biology of solute carrier (SLC) transporters. The post holder will lead the group's native mass spectrometry research, a discrete area within a larger programme on how SLC transporters are folded, modified, trafficked and regulated in mammalian cells.

This full-time fixed-term post is funded by the Wellcome Trust for up to 12 months 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 will hold, or be near completion of, a PhD/DPhil in biophysical chemistry, analytical chemistry, structural biology or a related discipline, with substantial experience in native top-down mass spectrometry using high-resolution hybrid Orbitrap instrumentation, including Thermo Fisher Orbitrap UHMR and Ascend platforms. You will demonstrate expertise in native mass spectrometry sample preparation, advanced fragmentation techniques, quantitative analysis of protein modifications and lipid interactions, alongside experience in proteomics, lipidomics and membrane protein expression and purification. You will also possess strong computational and data-analysis skills, including scientific software development, ideally using Python. Experience in SLC transporter research, glycoproteomics and open-source software development, together with a strong publication record, would be advantageous.

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 a large number 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 the 'Apply' button above and Vacancy ID 189364. 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. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement. 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 9th November 2026. Only applications received before this time can be considered. Interviews for shortlisted candidates to be held as soon as possible thereafter.

Committed to equality and valuing diversity