Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a national research centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology. In collaboration with the MSD London discovery centre, we are recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate within the Structural Biology theme. You will use an integrative structural cell biological approach to dissect the molecular mechanisms underpinning the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD), investigating how proteins involved in mitophagy lead to cellular dysregulation. Using this approach, you will determine structures of mitochondrial proteins directly involved in mitochondrial dysregulation pathways and study the effects of cellular stressors on structure.

You will develop methods for targeting specific neuronal features and characterise the structural and mechanistic changes of the cytoskeleton in stem cell or tissue-derived neurons. The successful candidate will establish a workflow to culture and prepare neuronal cells for integrative imaging using fluorescence microscopy, cryoFIB/SEM, cryoET and sub-volume averaging. Your work will shed light upon the molecular organisation of the cytoskeleton in different regions of the neuron and begin to highlight how these elements change in response to disease-specific mutations or in pathologically-relevant models of neurodegeneration. 

You will gain expertise (and training) in electron cryo-tomography using cutting-edge microscopes developed at the Franklin. This post would be ideal for a candidate who has worked, or is willing to drive developments, in eukaryotic and stem cell culture methods and would like to develop skills in structural cell biology and electron cryo-tomography applied to complex systems. 

This externally-funded post is open for 3 years in the research group of Michael Grange. 

Whilst the role is a Postdoctoral Research level and requires candidates to hold a PhD/DPhil (or equivalent), we may consider candidates who are close to completion of their PhD/DPhil qualification, in which case the initial appointment will be made at £36,500 per annum (to be increased on completion of the PhD/DPhil qualification).

Responsibilities | Postdoctoral Research Associate

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate/PDRA you will:

• Embrace the primary project associated with this role, involving cell culture of primary neuronal cells/tissues, stem cells for differentiation into neuronal cell lines, preparation of samples for cryoET, structure/function analysis of proteins involved in cytoskeletal organisation and the development of methods to visualise and assess the 3D organisations of these proteins in their native cellular context.
• Drive your own research within the scientific scope of the project, including formulating and testing scientific hypotheses, analysing cryoET data produced in-situ, and developing new directions for scientific exploration.
• Design and carry out experiments in collaboration with other researchers within the Franklin, as well as institutions around the UK and globally.
• Contribute to the general development of research and outreach activities within the Franklin organisation, and at the new Franklin hub.
• Publish research findings in leading academic journals.
• Present research findings in UK and worldwide academic conferences.
• Take a formal or informal role in the supervision of research students and other junior lab members.
• Any other duties that come up in the normal running of the facility and that can be reasonably requested of the post-holder.

The Rosalind Franklin Institute is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all. This job description set outs the skills and experience we believe are needed to be able to do this job but, research also tells us women are much more likely than men to take this list of requirements as absolute and self-select out of the process. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you did not tick.

In return we offer:

• 25 days holidays plus bank holidays and Christmas holiday shutdown
• Generous pension scheme (employer’s contribution currently up to 18%)
• Group Life Assurance (also known as Group Life Insurance or Death in Service)
• Hub building with state-of-the-art laboratories
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
• Bus pass discount scheme and good transport links to Oxford and surrounding areas
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to employee discount platform (Perkbox)
• Occupational Health and wellbeing support including Employee Assistance (24/7 support and counselling)
• Health Cash Plan
• Subsidised canteen and food outlets on campus
• Free on-site parking
• Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff

Before submitting your application please ensure you read the Job Information Pack for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment at the bottom of this page.

About us: The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a new national Research Centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology.

Location: The Franklin is based in Harwell Campus, UK’s innovation hub and well-established as one of the leading science and innovation campuses in Europe. 

The Franklin’s underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it. For further information, view our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. 

At the Rosalind Franklin Institute we welcome applications from all around the world!

To be considered for this role, please submit a CV and cover letter explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. Please including information about your education and work experience.

Closing date: The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 19th January 2025.

Area: Scientific
Location: Harwell
Type of Post: Full-Time
Period of appointment: 3 Years Fixed-Term Contract
Salary: From £37,500 per annum (depending on skills and experience)
Closing Date: 19/01/2025
Ref No: 10359