Postdoctoral Scientist - Structural Studies - Dr Suyang Zhang - LMB 3065

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff pension scheme

40.5 days holiday per year

Staff restaurant with roof terrace

Campus nursery

Job summary

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, UK, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to study co-transcriptional splicing mechanisms in the Zhang group. The role is a fixed-term, three-year position with a salary of £42,694 per annum.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in biological sciences or be close to completion, a strong background in structural biology or biochemistry, and desirable cryo-EM experience for in vitro reconstitution studies.

Qualifications

• PhD in biological sciences or near completion within 6 months.
• Strong background in structural biology or biochemistry.
• Experience in protein purification and cryo-EM desirable.
• Ability to work independently and communicate well in a team.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the mechanism of co-transcriptional splicing.
• Work on the project focusing on cryo-EM and in vitro reconstitution.
• Collaborate with world-class scientists and contribute to high-quality research outputs.

Skills

Structural biology

Biochemistry

Cryo-EM experience

Communication skills

Education

PhD in biological sciences

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher

Salary £42,694per annum

Fixed term, 3 years

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK

We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher to join Dr Suyang Zhang's group to investigate the mechanism of co-transcriptional splicing.

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 project aims to understand the mechanism of crosstalk between the transcription and splicing machineries using a combined biochemical and structural approach with a focus on cryo-EM and in vitro reconstitution.

In eukaryotes, RNA synthesis and splicing are intricately coupled to each other to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of pre-mRNA processing. Despite advances in our understanding of transcription and splicing as two separate processes, the molecular mechanisms underlying co-transcriptional splicing in a cellular context remain to be elucidated. We have defined the structural basis for the co-transcriptional recruitment of U1 snRNP (Science 2021, Nature comms 2025), which provided a model of how distant intron ends can be functionally paired for splicing. Additionally, we have discovered a regulatory mechanism that modulates Pol II elongation rate, shedding light on how Pol II speed may change across introns and exons (NSMB 2025).

The successful candidate should have a PhD in biological sciences or due to complete PhD within 6 months, and a strong background in structural biology or biochemistry. Experience in protein purification and cryo-EM are desirable. The candidate should have worked independently and have good communication skills for teamwork.

The LMB has a collaborative working culture and state-of-the-art building on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. We have excellent public transport on site including the Cambridge South train station (a two-minute walk from the lab), cycle enclosures and on-site parking. 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 https://mrclmb.ac.uk/.

Closing date: 7 December 2026

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 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; at [e-mail].