Research Associate in Advanced Cryo-Imaging

Rosalind Franklin Institute; Harwell; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A research institute in the UK is seeking a Research Associate to lead investigation into HIV maturation mechanisms using advanced cryogenic imaging techniques. The successful candidate will conduct experiments, lead projects, and contribute to research outputs like papers and patents. Candidates should have a PhD/DPhil or be nearing completion, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The role offers an annual salary starting at £37,500, with support for career development and collaborative initiatives.

Benefits

Inclusive working environment

Support for professional development

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a PhD/DPhil or be close to completion.
• Skill in leading scientific projects and understanding molecular mechanisms is essential.
• Ability to communicate findings both internally and externally.

Responsibilities

• Lead the understanding of HIV maturation mechanisms.
• Develop novel methodologies for cryogenic workflows.
• Conduct experiments and analyze results.
• Oversee outputs like research papers and patents.
• Mentor students or visitors in related research areas.
• Enhance research through collaborations.

Skills

Scientific knowledge

Leadership skills

Collaboration skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

PhD/DPhil or equivalent

Tools

Cryogenic imaging techniques

FLIM/FRET measurements

Cryo-electron tomography

Job description

As a Research Associate at the Franklin, you will bring scientific knowledge and skills to deliver a specific research project and/or you will bring independent, creative science, or specific skills to a team delivering a project or program. Through this work, you will build scientific independence, develop new science and leadership skills, and establish a growing reputation externally.

The successful candidate will exploit advanced cryogenic correlative imaging approaches to dissect the molecular, structural, and biophysical mechanisms governing HIV maturation and early entry. In collaboration with the group of Sergi Padilla at Kings College, you will combine time‑resolved FLIM/FRET measurements employing custom‑engineered biosensors with cryo‑electron tomography and high‑resolution structural analysis to resolve dynamic conformational and assembly processes during viral maturation, thereby delivering new mechanistic insights into HIV infectivity. The direction of the project will be to push this nascent correlative technique into the cell, potentially into tissues, to enable lifetime‑based correlation of features within the cell.

Key Responsibilities

• Scientifically lead the understanding of molecular mechanism by which HIV mature before entry.
• Develop novel correlative methods for cryogenic workflows.
• Plan and conduct experiments, analyse and interpret results and supervised delivery of outputs (e.g. research reports, patent applications) in a scientific area of interest.
• Work within a project team, contributing to wider projects around Franklin’s key Challenges.
• Lead major contributions to outputs from research including papers, patents and both internal and external presentations.
• Support and develop others including day‑to‑day supervision of students or visitors in areas related to own research.
• Have supervised, staged progression to first stages of scientific independence with opportunities to further develop science and your skills/experience.
• Enhance your research through collaboration with other researchers and make active contributions to exchanging of ideas through your own network.
• Be able to understand, interpret, create and communicate appropriately within a research context.
• Develop search and discovery skills and techniques.
• Be supervised by a Scientist/Senior Scientist in delivery of research outputs, either in the context of a project or Challenge or as an early career development fellow.

This job description set outs the skills and experience we believe are needed to be able to do this job but, research also tells us women are much more likely than men to take this list of requirements as absolute and self‑select out of the process. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you did not tick.

Whilst the role requires candidates to hold a PhD/DPhil (or equivalent), we may consider candidates who are close to completion of their PhD/DPhil qualification, in which case the initial appointment will be made at £37,500 per annum (to be increased on completion of the PhD/DPhil qualification).

The Franklin’s underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it. For further information, view our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every applicant has an equal opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities. This includes making adjustments for candidates with specific needs. Please contact us at [e-mail] to discuss your requirements confidentially.

At the Rosalind Franklin Institute we also welcome applications from all around the world!

To be considered for this role, please submit a CV and cover letter explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. Please include information about your education and work experience.

Closing date: The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 1st February 2026.