Postdoctoral Research Associate in Natural Product Chemistry
Lead a biochemical research project exploring natural antifungal products derived from bdelloid rotifers.
Best for:Best for chemistry and biochemistry PhD graduates with laboratory experience in natural product isolation, structural elucidation, or synthetic biology.
Overview
The University of Oxford seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Oxford Martin Programme on Safer Antifungals. Working across the Life and Mind Building and the Department of Pharmacology, the successful candidate will lead a biochemical project focusing on natural antifungal products extracted from microscopic freshwater animals. The role involves bioactivity-guided extraction, structure elucidation, biosynthetic investigation, and chemical diversification. The appointee will collaborate within an interdisciplinary team bridging biology, chemistry, and medicine to translate discoveries into clinical and agricultural applications.
What you'll do
- Perform bioactivity-guided extraction and purification of antifungal compounds from biological mixtures
- Elucidate chemical structures and investigate mechanisms of action for biologically active molecules
- Investigate biosynthetic origins, candidate pathways, and chemical or biosynthetic diversification of hit compounds
- Conduct biological activity and toxicity assays to evaluate candidate antifungal agents
- Write scientific publications and communicate research outcomes for academic audiences and future translation
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, biosynthetic chemistry, or a related area of chemical biology
Language: English
Instruction: English
- Strong research expertise and specialist knowledge in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical biology
- Prior laboratory experience in purifying chemicals from complex biological mixtures
- Demonstrated experience in structural elucidation of biologically active molecules
- Familiarity with genetic and synthetic-biology approaches to natural product synthesis
- Ability to show initiative in developing research ideas and methodologies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven capability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and advise other team members
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-11
Applications must be submitted online through the University of Oxford e-recruitment system. Applicants are required to upload a CV and a supporting statement detailing their qualifications and research background.
- CV
- Supporting statement
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