Postdoctoral Research Associate - CryoEM Bacterial Warfare

Postdoctoral Research Associate - CryoEM Bacterial Warfare
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire
£37,087 to £40,754 per annum (Discretionary range to £46,868) dependent upon skills and experience
Full time / Flexible hours considered.
3 Years
Reference: 11174

About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron; a huge scientific facility designed to produce very intense beams of X-rays, infrared and ultraviolet light. Our scientists use the light to study a vast range of subject matter, from new medicines and treatments for disease to innovative engineering and cutting-edge technology.

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
We now have an opportunity for a motivated self-driven scientist to take on a post-doctoral research position at eBIC, here at Diamond Light Source Ltd.

The successful candidate will focus on developing high-throughput imaging methods for deciphering the molecular basis of target cell recognition by Tailocins. Tailocins are bacterial warfare complexes, derived from bacteriophages, which are produced 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 cell recognition mechanism so that Tailcoins can be designed to destroy disease-relevant bacteria e.g. MRSA, Psueduomonas aeruginosa and other drug-resistant microbe.

The role will involve developing new expression systems and sample preparation methods as well as different data collection strategies using both cryo-single particle analysis (cryo-SPA), and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) as well as x-ray crystallography.

To facilitate this role, the successful candidate will work with state-of-the-art equipment which 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 or about to be awarded a PhD in structural biology or related subject and have a proven track record in conducting high quality original research.

You should be proficient in molecular cloning, protein purification and protein structure determination, with experience in x-ray crystallography, or cryo-electron microscopy and basic bash scripting would be advantageous.

You should have good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills and be willing to contribute 20% 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 26 days annual leave plus 13 days of statutory and company holidays and 2 annual volunteering days, 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.

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

The initial closing date for applications is 8th October 2023, however applications will be reviewed and interviewed on an ongoing basis until this vacancy is filled.