Postdoctoral Fellow - Structural Biology and Cytoskeletal Remodeling

The Francis Crick Institute, United Kingdom; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Francis Crick Institute in the United Kingdom invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Structural Biology and Cytoskeletal Remodeling. The Crick is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute, fostering collaboration and cutting-edge science.

The successful candidate will use cryo-EM and biochemistry to study microtubule remodeling starting January 2027. You will develop and lead the project, produce and characterize proteins, and apply cryo-EM with computational analysis to

Qualifications

• PhD or PhD in the final stages of submission in structural biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, or a related discipline.
• Experimental expertise in protein biochemistry and cryo-EM, including sample preparation and data collection.
• Strong interest in combining these approaches with quantitative fluorescence microscopy.
• Experience designing experiments, applying appropriate statistical analysis, critically interpreting data and troubleshooting research problems.
• Evidence of scientific initiative and the ability to develop and pursue research questions independently.
• Evidence of communicating research clearly through scientific writing and presentations.
• A collaborative approach to research and the ability to work effectively with colleagues.
• Experience in single-particle image processing and model building. (Desirable)

Responsibilities

• Developing and leading a research project investigating the molecular mechanisms of cytoskeletal remodeling
• Producing and characterizing recombinant proteins and protein complexes, and establishing assays to measure their interactions and activity
• Using cryo-EM and computational image analysis to investigate the organisation and conformational states of molecular assemblies
• Integrating structural findings with biochemical and fluorescence microscopy experiments to test mechanistic hypotheses
• Analysing and documenting experiments rigorously, presenting findings at scientific meetings, and contributing to manuscripts and publications.

Skills

Cryo-EM

Single-particle analysis

Protein biochemistry

Fluorescence microscopy

Computational image analysis

Independent researcher

Education

PhD in structural biology

PhD in biophysics

Tools

Relion

CryoSPARC

Phenix

Job description

Jobs in Structural Biology and Related Fields

Postdoctoral Fellow - Structural Biology and Cytoskeletal Remodeling

The Francis Crick Institute, United Kingdom

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Their world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. They are supported in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. They've removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps to turn science into benefits for human health and the economy.

The Chaaban labare seeking a curious and motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Cytoskeletal Coordination Laboratory, opening in January 2027 at the Francis Crick Institute.

The lab investigates how molecular machines build, remodel and dismantle the cytoskeleton. They are particularly interested in how these activities are coordinated during cell division, when cells must reorganise their internal architecture and ultimately separate into two daughter cells. They combine biochemistry, structural biology and quantitative microscopy to connect molecular organisation with biological function.

As an early member of the lab, you will have the opportunity to shape the research programme, establish experimental approaches and contribute to an open and supportive research environment. You will work closely with Sami Chaaban while developing your own ideas and scientific independence, supported by the Crick’s scientific platforms and research community.

The role:

The successful candidate will investigate how protein machines remodel microtubules. The project will address two linked questions: how these complexes assemble and engage microtubules to couple chemical energy to structural changes, and how interactions with partner proteins regulate their activity. Cryo-electron microscopy will be a major component of the project, alongside reconstitution with purified proteins and fluorescence microscopy. By determining structures of complexes in different functional states and testing the resulting predictions experimentally, you will help explain how molecular interactions drive microtubule remodelling. There will be scope to develop complementary approaches and connect these mechanisms to their functions in cells.

You will be:

• Developing and leading a research project investigating the molecular mechanisms of cytoskeletal remodeling
• Producing and characterizing recombinant proteins and protein complexes, and establishing assays to measure their interactions and activity
• Using cryo-EM and computational image analysis to investigate the organisation and conformational states of molecular assemblies
• Integrating structural findings with biochemical and fluorescence microscopy experiments to test mechanistic hypotheses
• Analysing and documenting experiments rigorously, presenting findings at scientific meetings, and contributing to manuscripts and publications.
• A PhD, or a PhD in the final stages of submission, in structural biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, or a related discipline. *
• Experimental expertise in protein biochemistry and cryo-EM, including sample preparation and data collection. *
• Strong interest in combining these approaches with quantitative fluorescence microscopy.
• Experience designing experiments, applying appropriate statistical analysis, critically interpreting data and troubleshooting research problems. *
• Evidence of scientific initiative and the ability to develop and pursue research questions independently.
• Evidence of communicating research clearly through scientific writing and presentations. *
• A collaborative approach to research and the ability to work effectively with colleagues.
• Experience in single-particle image processing and model building. (Desirable)

Application closing date: 15th of November 2026 at 23:59