Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research in cryo-FIB-SEM and structural biology of phagocytosis.
- Company: Join the University of Bristol, a leading institution focused on inclusivity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and collaborative work culture.
- Why this job: Make impactful contributions to immunotherapeutics while working with cutting-edge technology and diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Expertise in cryo-FIB-SEM, programming skills, and a passion for collaborative research are essential.
- Other info: Open-ended contract with fixed funding until May 2028; interviews scheduled for August 2025.
The predicted salary is between 38248 - 48149 £ per year.
The role
This Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position will focus on developing and applying cryoFIB-SEM to enable in situ structural biology. This project will lead to a greater understanding of phagocytosis, including the geometric molecular requirements of receptor-ligand engagement. Future aims include structure-guided development of immunotherapeutics able to mimic, inhibit, induce or otherwise modulate the molecular orchestra underlying phagocytosis.
The Sharp lab has expertise in synthetic and structural biology, extensive contacts in both academia and industry, and recent successes in translating fundamental insights into therapeutic candidates. Bristol houses state-of-the-art microscopes, and we have excellent access to individual workstations and HPCs, including the new national Isambard 3 and Isambard AI superclusters. You will utilise these resources, and help maintain and enable access for themselves and other lab members. Furthermore, with the recent acquisition of a ThermoFisher Hydra Bio pFIB-SEM, you will be ideally placed to benefit from access to this machine, but also to enable and support other users in a collaborative framework.
What will you be doing?
Together with immunologists and cell biologists, you will prepare samples of human-derived macrophages at various stages of phagocytosis before performing cryo-FIB-SEM and cryoET, tomogram reconstruction and sub-tomogram averaging to allow in situ structural biology of phagocytic events.
You will:
- Lead research into in situ structural biology of phagocytosis, including cryo-FIB-SEM sample prep and data acquisition, cryo-electron tomography, and sub-tomogram averaging.
- Lead developments of cryo-FIB-SEM methodology and data analysis
- Write / implement new software for cryoFIB-SEM and cryoET data analysis
- Collaborate with immunologists and cell biologists to do mammalian cell culture and macrophage differentiation.
- Collaborate with other researchers to enable in situ structural biology
- Help establish future applications and opportunities for development and/or application of workflows and results.
- Write papers and patents for dissemination and utilisation of these potential therapeutics.
- To work collaboratively and support the Sharp lab with administration and supervision of PhD, MSc and undergraduate students.
You should apply if
Essential (all candidates)
- Proven expertise with cryo-FIB-SEM
- Proven expertise with sub-tomogram averaging and other structural biology techniques
- Expertise with python, or an alternative programming language
- Experience with software installation and use of HPCs
- Enthusiasm to collaborate with researchers unfamiliar with your research/techniques.
- Enthusiasm to act as an independent researcher and proactively drive the development and direction of a research project.
Desirable (Grade J)
All of the above, plus:
- Expertise with advanced light microscopy techniques (e.g., super-resolution imaging)
- Excellent publication record
- Track record of delivering (inter)national presentations
- Successful supervision of post-graduate stude
Additional information
For informal enquiries please contact Thomas Sharp (t.sharp@bristol.ac.uk)
Contract type: Open-ended (fixed funding until 01/05/2028)
Work pattern: 35 hours per week / 100% time
Salary: £38,248 – £44,128 (Grade I) or £42,882 – £48,149 (Grade J) per annum, depending on experience.
Interviews will be held on the 7th, 8th or 11th August 2025
Our strategy and mission
We recently launched ourstrategyto 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.
The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in aninclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential.We wantto attract, develop, and retain individualswith different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people – because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.
£38,249 to £48,149 p.a. Grade: I or J
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Associate / Senior Research Associate for in Situ Structural Biology employer: University of Bristol
Contact Detail:
University of Bristol Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate / Senior Research Associate for in Situ Structural Biology
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in cryo-FIB-SEM and structural biology techniques. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence during discussions but also demonstrate your genuine interest and expertise to the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field, especially those who have experience in in situ structural biology or related research. Engaging with them can provide you with valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences in detail, particularly any projects involving cryo-FIB-SEM or sub-tomogram averaging. Highlighting specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them will showcase your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to Thomas Sharp for an informal chat about the role and the lab's current projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a chance to ask questions that can help you tailor your approach during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate / Senior Research Associate for in Situ Structural Biology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your expertise in cryo-FIB-SEM and structural biology techniques. Include specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your skills in sub-tomogram averaging and data analysis.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the research being conducted at the Sharp lab. Mention how your background aligns with their goals, particularly in developing methodologies for in situ structural biology.
Showcase Collaborative Experience: Emphasise any previous collaborative work with immunologists or cell biologists. Highlight your ability to work in a team and support others, as this is crucial for the role.
Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your technical skills in detail, especially regarding software installation and use of HPCs. Prepare examples of how you've applied these skills in past research projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bristol
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Make sure to highlight your proven expertise with cryo-FIB-SEM and sub-tomogram averaging during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you applied these techniques, as well as any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with immunologists and cell biologists, emphasise your enthusiasm for collaboration. Share examples of past experiences where you successfully worked in a team, especially in interdisciplinary settings.
✨Prepare for Software and Data Analysis Questions
Given the requirement for software implementation and data analysis, brush up on your programming skills, particularly in Python or similar languages. Be ready to discuss any relevant software you've developed or used in your previous roles.
✨Express Your Research Vision
Articulate your vision for the future applications of in situ structural biology. Discuss how you plan to drive the development of research projects and contribute to the lab's goals, including potential therapeutic applications.
