At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to explore host-pathogen interactions using advanced structural biology techniques.
- Company: University of Leicester, a vibrant and multicultural academic community.
- Benefits: Three-year funded position with access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in innovative research while developing your expertise in structural biology.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and experience in protein structure determination required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
The AKV lab is seeking to recruit a highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoc/Research Associate to join our group and contribute to elucidating the molecular mechanisms associated with host-pathogen interactions and DNA-repair complexes. The project will involve extensive use of membrane protein biochemistry and single particle cryo-EM to characterise the dynamic interplay between membrane integrated complexes and DNA-repair complexes in mediating fine modulation of host pathogen interactions.
About us: The AKV-lab is based at the Institute for Structural and Chemical Biology (LISCB) and the Molecular and Cell Biology Division (MCB), University of Leicester, UK. The University offers excellent support for international researchers and fosters a vibrant, multicultural academic community. Our interdisciplinary research environment provides access to state of the art facilities for biochemistry, microbiology, X-ray crystallography, and cryo electron microscopy (cryo EM), including an in-house Titan Krios 300 keV microscope.
The postholder will have the opportunity to develop expertise in membrane protein biochemistry, protein-DNA complex characterisation, cryo EM, and complementary biophysical and biochemical methods. You will lead an independent research project, progressing from initial cloning to the purification of membrane protein complexes, followed by structure determination and biochemical/biophysical mechanistic analysis. This project will focus on complex, multi-component membrane assemblies as well as protein-DNA complexes involved in DNA repair, investigated both in vitro and live cell environments. The research will employ a diverse array of structural biology techniques, including single particle cryo EM, cross-linking mass spectrometry, electrophysiology, molecular microbiology, bioinformatics, and live cell imaging.
About the position: This postdoctoral position is funded by the European Advanced Multiscale Biological imaging with European Research infrastructures (AMBER) program for 3 years and the successful candidate will be based at LISCB/MCB, UK working under the supervision of Dr. Abhinav Koyamangalath Vadakkepat and Dr. Amanda Chaplin. The last date of application is 1st July. Since the application involves the candidate to apply with an extensive proposal, interested candidates are advised to contact Dr Abhinav Koyamangalath Vadakkepat, MCB & LISCB, University of Leicester as early as possible.
Candidate profile:
- PhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or a closely related discipline
- Within eight years of PhD submission
- Must not have resided or undertaken their principal activity (work, study, etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months within the three years immediately preceding the call deadline
- Demonstrable experience in designing and executing workflows for protein structure determination, encompassing molecular biology and biochemical techniques such as DNA cloning, mutagenesis, protein purification and structural studies.
- Strong motivation to address fundamental biological questions and contribute to innovative research directions
- Excellent teamworking, communication, and organisational skills, with the ability to work independently within a collaborative research environment
- Expertise in membrane protein expression and purification
- Familiarity with cryo EM workflows, including sample preparation, data collection, and processing
- Familiarity with liposome reconstitution and electrophysiology
For informal discussions regarding this position or future opportunities, please contact: Dr Abhinav Koyamangalath Vadakkepat, MCB & LISCB, University of Leicester and Dr Tennie Videler.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Structural Biology at LISCB, University of Leicester, UK employer: Job Search Place Limited
The University of Leicester is an exceptional employer for those seeking a rewarding career in structural biology, offering a vibrant and multicultural academic community that supports international researchers. With access to cutting-edge facilities and a collaborative work culture, employees are encouraged to develop their expertise in advanced techniques such as cryo-EM and protein biochemistry, while also leading independent research projects that contribute to significant scientific advancements.
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