We are currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our dynamic laboratory at the Rosalind Franklin Institute. If you are a creative scientist that want to explore novel venues on quantitative imaging biology, join us. The Pombo-Garcia lab is interested in Molecular Organisation of Cell Interfaces in the epithelial tissue and in pathology of intestinal diseases. We use super-resolution STED microscopy in combination with gut organoids, biophysics & chemical biology to uncover how epithelial cells organise in space and time under different physico-chemical environments to drive self-organisation processes that shape mesoscale structures enabling tissue function. To that end, we generate high amount of complex data across scales from molecules to mesoscale structures. Our interdisciplinary team includes biology, chemistry and physics.
The Franklin is building technologies to enable imaging molecules of interest in the context of disease in their native state, using electron microscopy, light and super-resolution correlative approaches. We provide cutting-edge infrastructure to develop and implement next generation tools to advance basic science and discovery of novel therapeutics. Your role will be to lead a research project focused on quantitative imaging of epithelial cell biology and biophysics. Moreover, to support and develop novel workflows of bioimaging analysis to quantify advanced imaging data generated by super-resolution STED microscopy, FLIM, FRET and FCS. You will collaborate with other research institutions including the University of Oxford.
Responsibilities
As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, your primary task will be to lead a project on quantitative imaging biology and you will:
Candidates must hold a PhD qualification in cell biology, biophysics, physics, mathematics or computer science along with experience in advance quantitative microscopy analysis. We are looking for a colleague with strong organisational and communication skills, with demonstrated laboratory experience. Experience with formulating research questions and devising strategies to address these questions would aid the individual selected for this role. We expect you to lead publications, contribute to research grant writing, collaborate with other members of the lab towards knowledge advancement. This post would be ideal for a candidate who has developed a strong background on bioimaging analysis, quantitative biology or biophysics and would like to lead a project developing novel quantitative imaging pipelines and who would like to gain further experience in cutting edge techniques including super-resolution imaging, condensate biology and cell adhesion in epithelia tissue.
Selection Criteria
Essential:
Desirable:
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:
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 national interdisciplinary research centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). We are dedicated to creating new disruptive technologies which will allow us to see the biological world in new ways, from picometre-scale atoms to centimetre-scale tumours. These technological advances will speed up the discovery of new medicines, help find new diagnostics and contribute to a deeper understanding of human health and disease.
The Franklin operates from a purpose-built research facility on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus near Didcot, a unique community of government, academia and industry working to accelerate progress on key issues. The 700-acre campus is steeped in world-firsts, and technology and research are at the heart of everything Harwell does.
Our building houses both specialist laboratories, research scientists and operational staff within a state-of-the art facility designed to inspire our people in their work and create a welcoming hub for our collaborations and visitors. Our research values of adventure, novelty, engagement, and utility are drawn on and exemplified by the Franklin team through our collaborations with universities and industrial partners, both in the UK and internationally.
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!
How to apply:
To be considered for this role, please submit your application via our recruitment portal, with your CV and a cover letter explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. Please include information about your education and work experience.
Please note that 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).
Closing date: The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 2nd February 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: 02/02/2025
Ref No: 10360
The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a national interdisciplinary research centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). We are dedicated to creating new disruptive technologies which will allow us to see the biological world in new ways - from picometre-scale atoms to centimetre-scale tumours. These technological advances will speed up the discovery of new medicines, help find new diagnostics and contribute to a deeper understanding of human health and disease.
The Franklin operates from a purpose-built research facility on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus near Didcot, a unique community of government, academia and industry working to accelerate progress on key issues. The 700-acre campus is steeped in world-firsts, and technology and research are at the heart of everything Harwell does.
Our building houses both specialist laboratories, research scientists and operational staff within a state-of-the art facility designed to inspire our people in their work and create a welcoming hub for our collaborations and visitors. Our research values of adventure, novelty, engagement, and utility are drawn on and exemplified by the Franklin team through our collaborations with universities and industrial partners, both in the UK and internationally.
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.
At the Franklin we are all about the science, but we can’t do great science without great people. Creating opportunities for our people to fulfil their potential and feel proud of their work is important to us. This goes for all our teams so whether you are a technician, scientist or one of the professionals which make up our operations team, everyone at the Franklin has a part to play in making us a success.
Our approach to working is collaborative, welcoming, and encourages diversity in all its forms. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities. This includes making adjustments for candidates with specific needs.
We have a fantastic benefits package, which includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance and other wellbeing support.
The Rosalind Franklin Institute is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Our aim is simply to reflect the world we live in, having a diverse workforce which is representative of the rich cultures, experiences, backgrounds and skills that the UK and the world has to offer, and ensuring that we build an environment of mutual support and respect for everyone. Our people create a vibrant scientific community. Our culture is forward thinking and progressive bridging the gap between academia and industry, building strong collaborations and networks to enhance career opportunities. We encourage personal development and growth, creating opportunities to learn leadership skills, build personal networks and be supported by coaches and mentors.
As an organisation we appreciate that our people are one of our biggest strengths. We are committed to supporting your learning and development, helping you gain the skills you need to succeed in your role. Regardless of your level of experience and your role, we can assist you with building your expertise, experience and professional qualifications at key career stages.
We have a brand new hub building with world-class laboratory facilities with open plan social areas for people to come together. It really is an amazing place to work and collaborate.
We are located on the Harwell Science and Innovation campus which has an array of sports and recreation facilities open for all staff as well as a subsidised canteen and other food outlets. Which creates a great campus feel when working here and access to many additional networks, groups and events.