Research Officer

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.