Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, South Parks Road, Oxford, This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and self-motivated scientist to join the lab of Dr Katerina Toropova at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford. The project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of dynein-2 transport in cilia using cutting-edge structural and biochemical approaches. This project involves using a multi-scale structural biology approach, involving cryo-EM, cryo-ET, FIB milling, and biochemical methods to understand mechanisms of dynein-2 transport, building on recent advances in the group (NSMB 2017 PMID 28394326; NSMB 2019 PMID 31451806; NSMB 2025 PMID 40730907; Cell 2022, PMID: 36462505). The research will be conducted in a friendly and supportive atmosphere with access to outstanding facilities and within a vibrant postdoc community. The Toropova lab collaborates closely with the lab of Dr Anthony Roberts at the Dunn School with shared group meetings and lab space.
The applicant should hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, or Molecular/Cell Biology. Experience in protein expression and purification are required for this position. Experience in cryo-EM, cryo-ET, or FIB milling would be an advantage, but is not essential as training can be provided. The post-holder will be responsible for managing their own academic research, establishing and optimising protocols, designing and accurately executing experiments, and contributing conceptually to the overall research programme. Good organisational and communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team are essential.