Postdoctoral Research Associate (MX/MPL)- Infection and immunity

Postdoctoral Research Associate (MX/MPL)- Infection and immunity
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire
£33,963 to £39,955 per annum (Discretionary range to £45,949) dependent upon skills and experience
Full time/ 3 years Fixed Term
Reference: 10887

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.

About the Role

We aim to be at the forefront of membrane protein macromolecular crystallography (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 upon existing methods for membrane protein crystallography in preparation for new capabilities associated with Diamond II. This will include sample preparation to data collection and analysis. You will focus on a set of integral membrane proteins associated with infection and the immune response. Of particular interest will be the development of methods to improve crystal reproducibility and the delivery of caged substrates to study a membrane protease by time-resolved crystallography. This will help to shape the future of the MPL as well as supporting ongoing developments on the MX beamlines at Diamond.

In addition, you will also contribute a small amount of your time to technical and scientific support of the MX beamlines and support our user programme to ensure effective use of Diamond facilities. You will be expected to interact with the MX beamlines and users in areas relevant to your projects contributing to the development of state-of-the-art beamline technology.

This position represents an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic person to play a key role in expanding, and adding to, the capabilities of the MPL, MX group and Diamond.

About You

You will have an appropriate Science Degree and PhD, along with proven experience and research interest in relevant areas:
• Working with membrane proteins
• Preparation of protein crystal samples
• Macromolecular crystallography data collection and data analysis
• Instrument development and deployment
• Scientific programming in support of data collection and/or processing

You will be able to communicate and interact well with both staff and collaborators and demonstrate good presentation skills.

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

Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.

The closing date of this vacancy is 11th January 2023