Research Officer - Biochemistry, Wnt Signalling

About the role

Wehi's Immunology Division is looking for a highly motivated biochemist to join the Glukhova lab, which studies the structural mechanisms of Wnt signalling, especially membrane protein complexes used in drug discovery. As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow you will lead a project on the assembly of the Wnt signalosome, a large heterogeneous membrane complex, combining biochemistry and structural biology through reconstitution and characterisation of multi-component signalling assemblies.

Key responsibilities

• Lead biochemical reconstitution and characterisation of membrane complexes, designing and optimising expression, solubilisation and purification strategies.
• Evaluate and optimise detergents and solubilisation methods, understanding how detergent choice affects protein integrity and function.
• Stabilise large, heterogeneous complexes using stabilising mutations, nanobodies or dominant-negative accessory proteins.
• Interpret PDB structures to guide construct design, mutagenesis and experimental planning.
• Prepare samples for cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography, working with structural biologists in the group.
• Maintain experimental records and contribute to manuscripts and grant applications, and mentor junior researchers.

Required profile

• PhD in biochemistry, membrane biology, structural biology or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in expressing, purifying and biophysically characterising membrane proteins and large multi-subunit complexes.
• Practical knowledge of detergent chemistry and experience with detergents such as DDM, LMNG, digitonin and GDN.
• Ability to access and interpret PDB structures and to use them to guide experiments.
• Strong molecular biology skills, including cloning and mutagenesis, and experience with HEK293 or Sf9/Hi5 expression systems.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications and excellent communication skills.

Required skills

• Desirable: familiarity with X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM workflows.
• Desirable: biophysical techniques such as fSEC, SEC-MALS, mass photometry, analytical ultracentrifugation, native mass spectrometry, FACS, stable cell line generation, CRISPR editing and fluorescence/luminescence binding assays.
• Desirable: computational tools such as PyMOL, Chimera and AlphaFold.

What we offer

• Two-year full-time position with salary at Research Employee Level A6-A8 ($107,194-$115,059) depending on qualifications and experience.
• Salary packaging for living expenses, meal entertainment and novated leasing.
• 12% superannuation, plus up to 5% employer match after the first 6 months.

Applications close on Wednesday 11 November 2026. Apply online with a CV, cover letter and a document addressing the selection criteria.