Job Description

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 structural analysis (e.g., PyMOL, Chimera etc, AlphaFold).

Personal Qualities

• Intellectually adventurous, with a willingness to tackle technically challenging and high-risk experiments.
• Resilient and resourceful in the face of experimental setbacks.
• Strong collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines (biochemistry, structural biology, pharmacology).
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail in both benchwork and data management.
• Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and rigorous research environment.

Terms of appointment

This position is available for 2 years in a full time capacity. Salary is Research Employee Level A6-A8 ($107,194-$115,059) depending on qualifications and experience. Very attractive salary packaging options are available for general living expenses, meal entertainment, novated leasing and more. 12% superannuation payable, plus up to a further 5% after the first 6 months of service via our matching superannuation scheme.

General enquiries can be directed to Lilian Wong - wong.l@wehi.edu.au.

A position description is available here.

How to apply

Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.

Application Closing Date: Wednesday 11 November 2026.