Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biochemistry/ Molecular Biophysics – UK

October 3, 2025

Job Overview

Job Description

Why are transcription factors disordered? Come join us in Oxford as a postdoc and we’ll find out!

Help publish 3 mature projects, AND develop cool new single molecule fluorescence binding assays!

Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford
Pay Scale: STANDARD RESEARCH GRADE 7
Salary (£): £42,794 to £47,779 per annum
Location: Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract up to 31st March 2027
Hours:Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
About the role
We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a small supportive team under the supervision of Dr Sarah Shammas. Eukaryotic transcription factors contain long disordered regions, but an incomplete understanding of their roles impedes transcription factor and therapeutics design. You will describe roles quantitatively by biophysically characterising binding interactions. You will drive the completion of several mature projects to publication, including revealing new roles for disordered domains in efficient DNA target search. You may also develop new research avenues and methodology. More information about the Shammas Group: https://www.bioch.ox.ac.uk/research/shammas
This full-time fixed-term post is funded by the MRC up to 31st March 2027 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 a PhD/DPhil or be near completion of a PhD/DPhil in a related subject area and have previous experience in a relevant area of biological or physical sciences.  You will have experience with molecular biology, including protein expression and purification methods and also biophysical characterisation of proteins and/or nucleic acids.  You will have the ability to work independently and drive an interdisciplinary project but also be able to work as part of a team and provide supervision to junior colleagues. Strong quantitative analytical skills are essential as is having excellent communication skills with the ability to write for publication and present research proposals and results and to represent the research group at meetings. 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.
Application Process
Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via  www.recruit.ox.ac.uk  and Vacancy ID 182176.
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 27th October 2025.
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
Contact Person :Vacancy ID :182176
Contact Phone :Closing Date & Time :27-Oct-2025 12:00
Pay Scale :RESEARCH GRADE 7Contact Email :recruitment@bioch.ox.ac.uk
Salary (£) :£39,424 – £47,779