Postdoctoral Researcher in Quanti...

Rosalind Franklin Institute; South Oxfordshire; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading life science technology institute in the United Kingdom is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead projects focused on quantitative imaging of epithelial cell biology. Candidates should hold a PhD in cell biology, biophysics, or biochemistry and possess experience in quantitative microscopy analysis. The role includes planning experiments, collaborating with teams, and advancing scientific knowledge in imaging techniques, offering opportunities for independence and skill development.

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold a PhD in cell biology, biophysics, or biochemistry.
• Experience in advanced quantitative microscopy analysis is essential.
• Strong organizational and communication skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a project focused on quantitative imaging of epithelial cell biology.
• Plan and conduct experiments, analyze results, and deliver scientific outputs.
• Collaborate with colleagues to advance knowledge in the field.

Skills

Advanced quantitative microscopy analysis

Strong organizational skills

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in cell biology, biophysics, or biochemistry

Tools

Super-resolution microscopy

CryoET

FLIM

FRET

FCS

Job description

The Role

The Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) is a technology institute for life science, creating innovative technologies that transform our understanding of life. Our technologies, borne out of innovation in physical sciences, foster collaborations and open new avenues in life science, leading to new therapeutics and advancing our understanding of human biology.

If you are a creative scientist interested in collaboration between biophysics, structural biology, and biochemistry, then join us. Our labs (Pombo-Garcia & Wu) focus on the molecular organization of cell interfaces in epithelial tissue and glycobiology. We utilize super-resolution STED microscopy, CryoET, combined with biophysics and chemical biology, to explore how epithelial cells organize in space and time under various physico-chemical environments, driving self-organization processes like condensates that shape mesoscale structures and enable tissue function.

As a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Rosalind Franklin Institute, you will contribute scientific knowledge and skills to deliver specific research projects, or bring independent, creative science or specialized skills to a team. This role offers opportunities to build scientific independence, develop new science and leadership skills, and establish an external reputation. Your main responsibility will be to lead a project focused on developing tools for quantitative imaging of epithelial cell biology and biophysics, supporting and developing bioimaging analysis workflows for advanced imaging data generated by super-resolution STED microscopy, FLIM, FRET, and FCS.

Candidates must hold a PhD in cell biology, biophysics, or biochemistry, with experience in advanced quantitative microscopy analysis. Strong organizational and communication skills, laboratory experience, and the ability to formulate research questions and devise strategies are essential. You will be expected to lead publications, contribute to research grant writing, and collaborate with colleagues to advance knowledge.

This position is ideal for candidates with a strong background in imaging quantitative biology, biophysics, or in vitro reconstitution, interested in leading projects on novel imaging tools to study biomolecules at cell-cell interfaces, and eager to gain experience with cutting-edge techniques including super-resolution imaging, condensate biology, and CryoET.

Key Responsibilities

You will lead a project on the quantitative cell biology of cell interfaces, developing novel tools to visualize biomolecules (lipids, glycans, proteins) in cells to observe the dynamic formation of cell interfaces in epithelia. You will generate and analyze complex data from super-resolution fluorescence and CryoET experiments.

Applicants with broad experimental-analytical interests are encouraged, as the role involves developing new methods and applying them to investigate the organization and dynamics of cell interfaces.

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, your duties include:

• Planning and conducting experiments, analyzing results, and delivering scientific outputs (reports, patents).
• Working within a project team and contributing to Franklin's Challenges.
• Leading contributions to research publications, patents, and presentations.
• Supporting and supervising students or visitors in related research areas.
• Progressing towards scientific independence and further skill development.
• Collaborating with other researchers and sharing ideas through your network.
• Interpreting, creating, and communicating research findings effectively.
• Developing search and discovery skills and techniques.