Postdoctoral Research Associate – Correlative Microscopy
Harwell, Oxfordshire
Salary £33,963 to £39,955 per annum (Discretionary range to £45,949)
Full time, 2 years fixed term
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
eBIC (the Electron Bio-Imaging Centre based at Diamond Light Source) provides scientists with state-of-the-art experimental equipment and expertise in the field of cryo-electron microscopy, for single particle analysis, cryo-tomography and electron crystallography. Currently, eBIC houses four Titan Krios microscopes, a Talos Arctica, Scios and Aquilos cryo-FIB/SEM, and additional Krios and Glacios for industry applications (
https://www.diamond.ac.uk/Instruments/Biological-Cryo-Imaging/eBIC.html).
We are seeking a highly motivated PDRA to develop and apply a multi-scale and correlative microscopy workflow to understand the germicidal effects of anti-microbial agents on microorganisms. This is a collaboration between Procter & Gamble and the Diamond Light Source. You will use optical microscopes (cryoSIM and Leica cryoCLEM), cryo-Soft X-ray Tomography (SXT), with Scios/Aquilos cryoFIB/SEM instrument and Krios microscopes at Diamond and set up novel experiments to investigate how individual antimicrobial agents (AMA) affect the cell (e.g. peroxidation, lipid plasticisation, chelation of multivalent cations bound to the lipids and permeation of small molecules through it) and to identify the best combination for fast kill.
About you
You should have a PhD degree in biophysics or related field and have a demonstrated record of accomplishment in conducting high quality original research. Knowledge at postgraduate level in cryoEM/ET is essential and experience in fluorescence microscopy and live cell imaging is desirable.
Applicants are required to outline their suitability for this role via the online application process and should include a summary of their accomplishment and research interests.
Other information
Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to ensure an excellent work/life balance including 25 days’ annual leave, 13 days statutory and company holidays, flexible working hours, an onsite nursery, an excellent pension scheme, and social and sporting activities.
