Postdoctoral Research Associate- CryoEM on Bacterial Warfare

Postdoctoral Research Associate- CryoEM on Bacterial Warfare
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire
Salary £33,963 to £39,955 per annum (Discretionary range to £45,949)
Full time, 3 years fixed term
Reference: 10730

About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences.

Diamond also houses the electron Bioimaging Centre (eBIC), the UK’s national cryo-electron microscopy facility, which provides scientists with state-of-the-art instruments and expertise in cryoEM. eBIC’s instruments include four Titan Krioses, a Talos Arctica, a Glacios, two cryoFIB/SEM instruments (Scios and Aquilos), and a Leica cryoCLEM for correlative light and electron microscopy – diamond.ac.uk/Instruments/Biological-Cryo-Imaging/eBIC.html.

All Diamond beamlines including eBIC have access to fully equipped wet labs in the research complex at Harwell (RCaH). Diamond strongly encourages all scientific staff to participate in world-leading cross-disciplinary research which benefits from the unique facilities offered at the Harwell site.

About the Role
We now have an opportunity for a motivated self-driven scientist to take on a post-doctoral research position at eBIC, Diamond.

The successful candidate will focus on developing high-throughput imaging methods for deciphering the molecular basis of target strain recognition by Tailocins. Tailocins are bacterial warfare complexes, derived from bacteriophages, which are produce by specific bacteria at times of stress to kill competing species. The ultimate aim of the project is to provide sufficient structural knowledge of the target strain recognition mechanism so that Tailcoins can be designed to destroy specific bacteria e.g. MRSA, Psueduomonas aeruginosa and other drug-resistant microbe.

The project will involve developing new expression systems for the purification and imaging of tailocins bound to their target receptor using both electron cryo-microscopy techniques and x-ray crystallography.

To facilitate this execution of the project, the successful candidate will work with state-of-the-art equipment located on the Harwell campus. This includes the cryoEMs within eBIC, x-ray beamlines at Diamond and high-throughput protein production and crystallisation facilities at RCaH.

About You
You should have a PhD in structural biology or related subject and have a proven track record in conducting high quality original research.

You should also:
• Be proficient in molecular cloning, protein purification and protein structure determination.

• Have experience in x-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy and basic bash scripting would be advantageous.
• Have good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills and be willing to contribute 10% of time to the operation of eBIC microscopes and user program.

Benefits
Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 25 days annual leave plus 13 days of statutory and company holidays, along with flexible working hours and an excellent pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities.

We take an active approach to ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our activities at Diamond, with a dedicated commitment to ensuring we provide a fulfilling and enjoyable place to work, where all staff feel valued and recognised for their individual contribution.

To Apply
Applicants are required to outline their motivation and suitability for this position in the online application form as well as submitting a CV and publication list. Please also state where you saw this role advertised.

The closing date for applications is 20th February 2022, however, we encourage early applications as candidates will be reviewed and considered on an ongoing basis.