At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research on cytoskeletal remodeling using cutting-edge techniques like cryo-EM.
- Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research hub.
- Benefits: Competitive salary starting at £47,500 plus benefits and professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic environment fostering collaboration and innovation with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Shape groundbreaking research and make a real impact in molecular biology.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and expertise in protein biochemistry and cryo-EM.
The predicted salary is between 47500 - 47500 £ per year.
Salary for this Role: From £47,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.
Reports to: Sami Chaaban
Closing Date: 15/Nov/2026 23.59 GMT
Details of the role:
- Reporting to: Sami Chaaban, Group Leader
- Working pattern: This is a full-time, fixed-term (4 years) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment
- Salary: From £47,500 per annum with benefits, subject to skills and experience.
- Application closing date: 15th of November 2026 at 23:59
About us:
The Francis Crick Institute is Europe's largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.
The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture.
The Research Group:
We are seeking a curious and motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Cytoskeletal Coordination Laboratory, opening in January 2027 at the Francis Crick Institute. Our lab investigates how molecular machines build, remodel and dismantle the cytoskeleton. We are particularly interested in how these activities are coordinated during cell division, when cells must reorganise their internal architecture and ultimately separate into two daughter cells.
As an early member of the lab, you will have the opportunity to shape the research programme, establish experimental approaches and contribute to an open and supportive research environment. You will work closely with Sami while developing your own ideas and scientific independence, supported by the Crick's scientific platforms and research community.
About the role:
The successful candidate will investigate how protein machines remodel microtubules. The project will address two linked questions: how these complexes assemble and engage microtubules to couple chemical energy to structural changes, and how interactions with partner proteins regulate their activity.
Cryo-electron microscopy will be a major component of the project, alongside reconstitution with purified proteins and fluorescence microscopy. By determining structures of complexes in different functional states and testing the resulting predictions experimentally, you will help explain how molecular interactions drive microtubule remodelling. There will be scope to develop complementary approaches and connect these mechanisms to their functions in cells.
What you will be doing:
- Developing and leading a research project investigating the molecular mechanisms of cytoskeletal remodeling.
- Producing and characterizing recombinant proteins and protein complexes, and establishing assays to measure their interactions and activity.
- Using cryo-EM and computational image analysis to investigate the organisation and conformational states of molecular assemblies.
- Integrating structural findings with biochemical and fluorescence microscopy experiments to test mechanistic hypotheses.
- Analysing and documenting experiments rigorously, presenting findings at scientific meetings, and contributing to manuscripts and publications.
About you:
- A PhD, or a PhD in the final stages of submission, in structural biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, or a related discipline.
- Experimental expertise in protein biochemistry and cryo-EM, including sample preparation and data collection.
- Strong interest in combining these approaches with quantitative fluorescence microscopy.
- Experience designing experiments, applying appropriate statistical analysis, critically interpreting data and troubleshooting research problems.
- Evidence of scientific initiative and the ability to develop and pursue research questions independently.
Postdoctoral Fellow - Structural Biology and Cytoskeletal Remodeling - Chaaban Lab employer: Francis Crick Institute
The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and creativity in biomedical research. With generous benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and comprehensive health and well-being support, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The institute's commitment to diversity and inclusion, along with opportunities for growth and development, makes it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of science.
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We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Fellow - Structural Biology and Cytoskeletal Remodeling - Chaaban Lab
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We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Fellow - Structural Biology and Cytoskeletal Remodeling - Chaaban Lab
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