Postdoctoral Scientist: Single-Molecule Biophysics & Chromatin

The Single Molecule Imaging Group works at the intersection of single molecule imaging, biophysics, mechanobiology and cellular biology to explore the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation. The group uses single-molecule fluorescence and mechanical manipulation with optical tweezers to analyse the interaction of proteins and DNA/RNA, elucidate their dynamics and elucidate molecular mechanisms. We use additional interdisciplinary approaches to investigate these mechanisms across scales (from molecules to cells).

Key qualifications

• PhD in Single Molecule Biophysics and/or Biochemistry (or a closely related discipline)
• Excellent skills in single molecule microscopy and biochemistry
• Experience with expressing and purifying multi-subunit protein complexes
• Experience in chromatin array preparation for optical tweezers experiments
• Experience of using TIRF microscopes
• Experience in single-molecule microscopy data analysis with a track record of relevant publications and presentations
• Excellent written communication skills in English and the ability to write clearly for publication

Main responsibilities

• To use insect-cell based systems to over-express chromatin remodelling complexes
• To purify chromatin remodelling complexes for structural, biochemical, and single-molecule imaging studies
• To perform single-molecule microscopy-based experiments to obtain dynamics information of chromatin remodelling complexes
• To interoperate structural data to uncover functional mechanisms of how these chromatin remodellers function
• To prepare work for publication and grant submissions
• To present at seminars and conferences, as necessary
• To co-supervise MSc and PhD students
• Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the requirements of the project demand
• To contribute to the smooth running of the Group's/Unit's laboratories and facilities with other scientists, technicians and students within the laboratories
• To assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students and research assistants as required
• To comply with the Institute, College, Division, and Unit safety practices and to attend courses on safety when appropriate
• Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by Head of group as well as Head of Division

Education / Qualifications / Training required

• Essential: PhD in Single Molecule Biophysics and/or Biochemistry (or a closely related discipline)

Knowledge and experience

• Essential:
• Excellent skills in single molecule microscopy and biochemistry
• Previous experience with using insect cell-based systems to express multi-subunit protein complexes
• Previous experience in chromatin array preparation for optical tweezers experiments
• Previous experience of using TIRF microscopes
• Previous experience in single-molecule microscopy data analysis with a track record of relevant publications and presentations
• Excellent written communication skills in English and the ability to write clearly for publication
• Desirable: Previous experience with working with ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling complexes
• Proven experience collaborating with structural biologists, resulting in a strong track record of publications

Personal Skills / Behaviours / Qualities

• Ability to conduct reproducible research
• Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
• Ability to develop and apply new concepts
• Creative approach to problem-solving
• Excellent verbal communication skills in English and the ability to deal with a wide range of people
• Ability to direct the work of a small research team and motivate others to produce a high standard of work
• Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision
• Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
• Advanced computer skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets and the internet
• Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
• Flexible attitude towards work
• Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
• Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role

Further Information

Applicants should submit a CV, names and contacts of two scientific references along with a cover letter stating why you are applying for this role (providing evidence against the requirements of the job as per the job description and person specification). Applications without a cover letter will not be accepted.

Please note that applications may be reviewed by both LMS and Imperial staff.

The MRC is a unique working environment where scientific researchers and professional support staff can actively partake in world class innovation and collaboration opportunities and their skills and knowledge through accessing a wide catalogue of training & development, including professional registration with the Science Council.

In addition, MRC (part of UKRI) provides its community of employees access to a whole host of useful benefits, including a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement (30 days plus 2.5 privilege days & 8 bank holidays), family friendly policies (6 months full pay maternity & adoption leave), a range of shopping/travel discounts, access to our Employee Assistant Programme Scheme, Health and Wellbeing Support and a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.

Please follow this link to find out more - Benefits.

UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.

We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

This opportunity is closed to applications.