Postdoctoral Scientist – Structural Studies – Dr Sjors Scheres – LMB 2737

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB); Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Cambridge is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to enhance the RELION software's image processing algorithms for cryo-EM structure determination. The ideal candidate will have a PhD and strong skills in algorithm design and programming, particularly in C++ and CUDA. This role offers a 3-year fixed term with excellent benefits including a generous holiday entitlement and training opportunities.

Benefits

40.5 days of holiday

Defined benefit pension scheme

Employee discount scheme

On-site parking

Staff restaurant

Access to sports and social facilities

Qualifications

• Highly motivated to work on difficult projects.
• Expertise in computational methods for cryo-EM structure determination.
• Experience with image processing algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Improve core refinement routines of the RELION software.
• Explore novel optimisation algorithms for cryo-EM.
• Collaborate with computational and wetlab scientists.

Skills

Algorithm design

Computer programming

C++

CUDA

Education

PhD in a relevant subject

Job description

Postdoctoral Scientist

Starting Salary: £42,694

Fixed term: 3 years

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK

We are looking for a postdoctoral scientist to join the group of Sjors Scheres to work on new image processing algorithms for cryo-EM structure determination in our open-source software RELION. In particular, we are aiming to improve its core refinement routines through exploration of novel optimisation algorithms and the inclusion of richer sources of prior knowledge.

You will be part of our bubbly, multi-disciplinary team that comprises both computational and wetlab scientists. You will become an expert in computational methods for cryo-EM structure determination, and you will benefit from further interactions with the wider scientific community at the MRC-LMB. You are highly motivated to work on difficult projects and have a PhD in a relevant subject or due to complete within 6 months. You are an expert in algorithm design and/or computer programming; experience with C++ and/or CUDA would be an advantage.

Group web site: www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/groups/scheres

This is a three-year training and development position suitable for you if you have recently completed your doctoral studies, or you are looking to move into a new research discipline and/or need to further develop your research skills. Working with our world class scientists you will be working in an Institute renowned for its excellent scientific facilities and high-quality research.

The LMB has a collaborative working culture and state-of-the-art building on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. We have on-site parking, cycle enclosures and excellent public transport links to the site. We have a staff restaurant with roof terrace and access to a Campus nursery and sports and social facilities. You will be eligible to join our defined benefit pension scheme, a holiday entitlement of 40.5 days per annum (including bank holidays and privilege days) and a generous employee discount scheme. We are also committed to providing training and development opportunities including support towards role-related qualifications. Further information about the benefits available can be found at http://www.discover.ukri.org/benefits-of-working-at-ukri.

The LMB is a world-class research institute within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). UKRI is nine research councils, working together across all disciplines and sectors. More information can be found at www.ukri.org and www.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk.

Closing date: Tuesday 25th November 2025

Final appointments will be subject to a pre-employment screening.

We actively support equality, diversity and inclusion in all our activities, processes and culture. We encourage applications from all sections of society. The LMB particularly welcomes women, minority ethnic and disabled candidates to apply for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented. We are a disability inclusive employer and encourage disabled people to apply for this role. You are very welcome to contact us for information about the application process and any adjustments you may require; [e-mail].