Post-Doctoral Research Associate focused on the structural biology of bacterial secretion systems

Imperial Enterprise; Greater London; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Imperial College London is recruiting a structural biologist to lead a research project on bacterial secretion systems, focusing on membrane protein complexes with cryo-EM and single-molecule fluorescence techniques.

You will guide the project from cloning to purification and structure determination, using advanced imaging and biophysical methods. An internationally competitive salary is offered, with Wellcome Trust support and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• PhD in structural biology with cryo-EM, X-ray or NMR experience.
• Experience designing workflows for protein structure determination from cloning to data processing.
• Cryo-EM workflows including sample prep, data collection and processing are essential.
• Light microscopy experience is desirable and at least one first-author publication is expected.

Responsibilities

• Lead a project from cloning through purification, structure determination and mechanistic dissection.
• Work on challenging multi-component membrane complexes in-cell.
• Apply cryo-EM (SPA, in-situ SPA, tomography) and TIRF with single-molecule FRET to study dynamics.

Skills

Cryo-EM workflows

Protein purification

Molecular cloning & mutagenesis

Single-molecule FRET

Light microscopy

Education

PhD in structural biology (cryo-EM/X-ray/NMR)

Tools

Cryo-EM

TIRF microscopy

X-ray crystallography

NMR

Job description

Location: South Kensington campus primarily.

Collaborative work with Prof David Rueda (TIRF/single molecule FRET) will be undertaken at MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) within Imperial’s Hammersmith campus.

About the role:

We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and motivated structural biologist to join the group of Prof Harry Low, Department of Infectious Disease (www.thelowlab.org). The research project focuses on determining the molecular mechanism of bacterial secretion systems including the Tad and Type 4 pilus systems. The position is funded by an 8 year Wellcome Trust Discovery award.

What you would be doing:

You will be leading your own project working from initial clones through to protein purification, structure determination and biochemical/biophysical mechanistic dissection. You will be working on challenging multi-component membrane complexes both in‑cell. Specific methodology will include a range of structural biology techniques including cryo-electron microscopy (SPA, in‑situ SPA and tomography), and TIRF microscopy combined with single molecule FRET to probe protein dynamics.

What we are looking for:

• You will have a PhD in structural biology, either cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography or NMR.
• *Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £45,399 - £48,876 per annum.
• Experience in the design and execution of workflow for structure determination of proteins, from molecular biology/biochemical experiments (e.g. DNA cloning and mutagenesis, protein purification) through to structural data collection, processing and model building is expected.
• Experience in cryo-EM workflows including sample preparation, data collection and processing is essential.
• Experience in light microscopy studies is desirable. You must have a strong research track record demonstrated by at least one first author publication in an international journal or bioRxiv.

What we can offer you:

• An inclusive and friendly lab environment that aims to support you in your mission to make important discoveries and generate impactful publications.
• A well-funded lab underpinned by world class facilities.
• Opportunities to attend national and international conferences to showcase your work and grow your academic network.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

£50,733 to £59,484 per annum

Further Information

This is a full-time (35 h/w) & fixed-term for 24 months, with the possibility to extend for a further 24 months.

Visa costs associated with moving to the UK will be covered.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Prof Harry Low – [e-mail]

About Imperial

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