Research Associates in Electron Microscopy Development (10379)

The Rosalind Franklin Institute; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in the UK is seeking Research Associates to support cutting-edge projects in electron microscopy. Candidates with backgrounds in physics, biochemistry, or applied mathematics and a strong interest in advanced EM methods are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and will work in a collaborative environment. The role requires a PhD or equivalent experience, with a starting salary of £37,500 for those near completion.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package

Access to state-of-the-art instrumentation

Opportunities for multiple roles

Qualifications

• Background in physics, biophysics, biochemistry, or applied mathematics.
• Experience with advanced electron microscopy methods.
• Candidates near completion of PhD/DPhil will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Advance electron ptychography and liquid phase electron microscopy.
• Research molecular condensates and antibiotic resistance mechanisms.
• Apply advanced methods and algorithms for imaging.

Skills

Advanced EM methods

Physics

Biophysics

Biochemistry

Applied Mathematics

Education

PhD/DPhil or equivalent

Tools

Cryo (S)TEM

Cryo Dual beam FIBs

Cryo TEMs

Job description

Overview

The Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) is a technology institute established by the UK Government as a unique centre committed to advancing tools that are needed to transform healthcare in the future.

Challenge Team

Our teams are aligned across a number of technology and life science challenges as part of our strategic focus, with scientists, technologists and software engineers working together in a multi-disciplinary and collaborative environment at our state-of-the-art research facility at Harwell in Oxfordshire. For more information on the Franklin’s Challenges click here.

The Multidimensional Imaging (MDI) Challenge team, led by Professor Angus Kirkland, leads pioneering research in advancing electron ptychography, liquid phase electron microscopy, electron spectroscopy and diffraction underpinned by a strong fundamental theoretical platform.

Research Associate Vacancies

We currently have a number of Research Associate vacancies to support this Challenge and its projects in the following areas:

• Advanced Methods and Algorithms Applied to Electron Ptychography of Biological Specimens (10380) 24m Fixed Term
• Advanced STEM/SEM Acquisition to Study Beam Sensitive Biological Samples (10381) 24m Fixed Term
• Imaging Protein Dynamics Using Liquid Phase Electron Microscopy (10382) 36m Fixed Term
• Electron Diffraction-Based Mapping of Molecular Condensates (10383) 24m Fixed Term
• Nanoscale Electron Spectroscopic Mapping of Antibiotic Uptake and Resistance Mechanisms (10384) 24m Fixed Term
• Technicolour Intracellular Space - Potential Mapping Using 4D STEM (10385) 24m Fixed Term

Projects Keywords: Inverse Problems, Computational Imaging, Electron Spectroscopy, Antimicrobial Resistance, Liquid Phase EM, 4D STEM

Applications

Applications are encouraged from candidates with backgrounds in physics, biophysics, biochemistry, applied mathematics or related disciplines with an interest and experience of advanced EM methods.

You will have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, including: a double aberration-corrected 300kV Cryo (S)TEM, two 300kV conventional Cryo TEMs, three Cryo Dual beam FIBs and a 300kV chromatically corrected TEM for fast in situ observations alongside advanced sample preparation and computational facilities.

Whilst these roles are at a postdoctoral researcher level and require 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).

Before submitting your application please ensure you read the Job Information Pack for full scope of the projects, related vacancies and to learn about our competitive benefits package. You may choose to apply for more than one role. Please stipulate your vacancy preference on the application form, in line with your skills and experience.

For informal enquiries, please contact [e-mail].

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

We are dedicated to ensuring every applicant has an equal opportunity to demonstrate their talents, and we are happy to consider adjustments for candidates with specific needs. Please contact us at [e-mail] to discuss your requirements confidentially.

Closing Date

Closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 18th January 2026. Interviews are planned for early February 2026.