Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Macromolecular Crystallography

Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Macromolecular Crystallography
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire
Salary £33,963- - £39,955 / £45,949, dependent upon skills and experience
Full time/ Fixed Term – 3 years
Ref 10810

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national 3rd generation 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 is one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, and its pioneering capabilities and talented staff are helping to keep the UK at the forefront of scientific research.

About the Role
The Microfocus Macromolecular Crystallography beamline I24 provides a versatile tool for life science; offering high flux, small beamsize, and flexible sample environment it is well suited to tackling challenging problems in structural biology. A bespoke end-station, automated sample exchange and two detectors (a silicon Pilatus and CdTe Eiger) combine to provide a state-of-the-art MX beamline. I24 offers users conventional pin-based cryo-crystallography, room temperature experiments, and serial crystallography of microcrystals. We aim to be at the forefront of MX, developing new approaches for the most demanding structural biology problems.
We are looking to recruit a highly motivated and experienced crystallographer at the Post-Doctoral Research Associate level to build on recent exciting results in the field of microfocus and/or serial crystallography. This will encompass several areas of the experiment from preparation of samples to data collection and analysis. Key emerging areas of interest are dynamic crystallography, serial methods development, and high energy data collection. The post holder will develop methods for microcrystallography, dynamic crystallography and new modes of sample delivery instrumentation playing a major role in shaping the future of I24 and exploiting new capabilities such as the portable laser system PORTO at Diamond, the CdTe Eiger and acoustic drop ejection.

About You
The successful candidate will hold a PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant research area along with experience in the following areas,
• Preparation of protein crystal samples
• Macromolecular crystallography data collection and data analysis
• Microfocus and/or serial crystallography
• Instrument development and deployment
• Scientific programming in support of data collection and/or processing

You will develop methods and software related to the optimal measurement and analysis of crystallographic data for MX with a particular emphasis on microcrystallography and serial crystallography. You will be able to communicate and interact well with both staff and collaborators with good presentation skills.

You will also provide technical and scientific support to the operational MX beamlines and user programme to ensure effective use of Diamond facilities by all users. Assist in developing I24‘s capabilities in collaboration with other beamline staff. You will be expected to interact with the beamline and users in areas relevant to your projects contributing to the development of state-of-the-art beamline technology at I24.
The post represents an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic person to play a key role in expanding, and adding to, the capabilities of I24 and Diamond.

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. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.

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 suitability for this role via the online application process. Please also state where you saw this role advertised.

The closing date for applications is 5th June 2022 and interviews will be scheduled shortly afterwards.