Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mechanisms of Cell Signalling

Pay Scale: STANDARD RESEARCH GRADE 7

Salary (£): £42,794 - £47,779 per annum

Location: Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract for up to 3 years

Hours: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)

About the role

The Ranes lab are seeking a talented Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate the molecular mechanisms driving the Wnt/beta-catenin signalling pathway at the plasma membrane. The lab undertakes a multidisciplinary approach spanning biochemistry/biophysics, cell biology and structural biology to address our research questions. In this role you will build on our previous success in the biochemical reconstitution of beta-catenin destruction complex, to investigate the mechanisms underpinning Wnt pathway activation and termination at the plasma membrane using both in vitro and cell-based approaches. In this endeavour the position is for a Postdoc with expertise in cell signalling pathways, protein biochemistry and in vitro cell biology. You will be responsible for studying the regulation and recruitment of cytoplasmic signal transduction proteins to the Wnt receptor complexes using state-of-the art tools and resources, such as in vitro protein reconstitution to dissect discreet transduction steps, CRISPR approaches and super-resolution microscopy.

This full-time fixed-term post is funded by the Wellcome Trust for up to 3 years 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 Biochemistry, Cell Biology or related discipline and have substantial experience in basic molecular biology techniques in particular recombinant DNA techniques. Experience in the expression and purification of recombinant proteins as well as biochemical and biophysical characterisation methods are essential. You will possess sufficient knowledge and experience in mammalian cell culture and associated cell-based techniques and be able to demonstrate strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and multitask lab duties both independently and as part of a team. You will have excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to write for publication and present research proposals and results.

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 and Vacancy ID 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. 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

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Monday 15th December 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