An opportunity is available for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Professor Matt Johnson’s group within the School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield. This three-year, BBSRC-funded project investigates how bioenergetic supercomplexes promote electron transfer in respiration and photosynthesis.

Electron transfer reactions in mitochondria, chloroplasts, and bacteria sustain virtually all life on Earth, yet a central mystery has persisted regarding why many membrane complexes involved cluster into larger supercomplexes and what specific advantages these assemblies confer. The research group recently developed a novel single-molecule atomic force microscopy (smAFM) approach capable of resolving the fleeting encounter complexes that precede successful electron transfer. Preliminary data suggest that supercomplexes enhance the formation of these encounter complexes.

The successful candidate will lead the experimental programme testing this hypothesis across bacterial, mitochondrial, and chloroplast systems. Key responsibilities include combining smAFM with mass photometry, microscale thermophoresis, and spectroscopy; designing site-directed mutants to dissect the molecular basis of supercomplex function; and engineering artificial supercomplexes in Chlamydomonas using CRISPR-Cas9. The role involves working closely with international collaborators who contribute structural biology, molecular dynamics, and biochemical expertise.

The postholder will join one of the leading photosynthesis and bioenergetics research environments in the UK, benefiting from the multi-million-pound Imagine: Imaging Life facility which provides on-site atomic force, confocal, and cryo-electron microscopy. The position offers an opportunity to develop skills across single-molecule biophysics, membrane protein biochemistry, synthetic biology, and computational structural biology, working at the interface of fundamental discovery and translational application in food security and clean growth. Findings will be published in high-impact journals and presented at major international meetings.

The University of Sheffield offers employee benefits including a competitive annual leave entitlement (with options to purchase additional leave), a pension scheme, flexible working options, personal and career development opportunities, and retail discount programs.

Eligibility Criteria

• A PhD (or close to completion / equivalent postdoctoral work experience) in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, plant sciences, microbiology, or a closely related discipline.

Required expertise/skills

• Substantial practical experience in protein biochemistry, including the purification and biochemical characterisation of membrane proteins or large multi-subunit protein complexes.

• Demonstrated experience with one or more biophysical methods for quantifying protein-protein interactions (e.g., atomic force microscopy, mass photometry, microscale thermophoresis, surface plasmon resonance, or fluorescence-based techniques).

• Ability to lead an experimental research programme, collaborate with international teams, and contribute to scientific publications and presentations.

Salary details £38,784 to £43,482 per annum

Application Deadline 6th September 2026

Application Link