Job Title
Research Officer
Job Description
An exciting opportunity is available for a Research Officer - Biochemistry in Wnt signalling to join the Immunology Division at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.
About the Position
The Glukhova lab investigates the structural mechanisms of Wnt signalling, with a particular focus on membrane protein complexes and the application of this knowledge for drug discovery.
We are seeking a highly motivated and adventurous biochemist to join our multidisciplinary team as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. You will lead a research project dedicated to understanding the assembly of the Wnt signalosome – a large, heterogeneous membrane complex central to Wnt signalling pathways.
This is a hands-on biochemistry role requiring deep expertise in membrane protein biology, protein complex stabilisation, and structural interpretation. You will work at the interface of biochemistry and structural biology, reconstituting and characterising multi-component signalling assemblies for mechanistic and structural studies.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the biochemical reconstitution and characterisation of membrane complexes, including the design and optimisation of expression, solubilisation, and purification strategies.
Evaluate and optimise detergent and solubilisation strategies for the extraction and stabilisation of membrane protein complexes, with a critical understanding of how detergent choice affects protein integrity and function.
Design and implement strategies to stabilise large, heterogeneous complexes for downstream analysis, including the use of stabilising mutations, nanobodies, dominant-negative accessory proteins
Interpret published structural data from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) to inform construct design, mutagenesis strategies, and experimental planning.
Prepare samples suitable for structural studies (cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography), working closely with structural biologists within the group.
Maintain rigorous experimental records and contribute to manuscripts and grant applications.
Contribute to the intellectual environment of the laboratory and mentor junior researchers where appropriate.
Selection Criteria
Essential Knowledge and Skills
PhD in biochemistry, membrane biology, structural biology, or a closely related discipline.
Demonstrated expertise in the expression, purification, and biophysical characterisation of membrane proteins and large multi-subunit protein complexes.
Practical knowledge of detergent chemistry as it applies to membrane protein biochemistry, including experience with a range of detergent classes (e.g., DDM, LMNG, digitonin, GDN) and their effects on protein stability, activity, and complex integrity.
Experience with strategies for stabilising heterogeneous or transient protein complexes, such as the use of stabilising point mutations, conformation-selective binders, or dominant-negative accessory subunits.
Ability to access, interpret, and critically evaluate protein structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank, and to use structural information to guide experimental design.
Strong molecular biology skills, including construct design, cloning, and mutagenesis.
Experience with mammalian and/or insect cell expression systems (e.g., HEK293, Sf9/Hi5).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of peer-reviewed publications.
High degree of self-motivation, intellectual curiosity, and a strong drive to pursue ambitious research goals.
Desirable Knowledge and Skills
Familiarity with X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM workflows.
Experience with biophysical techniques for assessing complex assembly and heterogeneity (e.g. fSEC, SEC-MALS, mass photometry, analytical ultracentrifugation, native mass spectrometry).
Experience with FACSExperience with generation of stable cell lines and or CRISPR editing.
Experience with fluorescence- or luminescence-based pharmacology or binding assays.
Familiarity with computational tools for…