PDRA - Serial and Microfocus Macromolecular Crystallography
£37,087 to £40,754 per annum, dependent upon skills and experience
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire – based onsite.
Full time / Flexible hours considered.
2 Years
Reference: 11348
About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national 3rd generation synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth, and environmental sciences.
Diamond is one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, and its pioneering capabilities and talented staff are helping to keep the UK at the forefront of scientific research.
About the Role
As part of a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council’s funded collaboration between Diamond’s I24 and the versatile macromolecular crystallography beamline VMXi and the University of Essex, we are looking to recruit a highly motivated and experienced crystallographer at the Post-Doctoral Research Associate level to build on recent exciting results in the field of serial crystallography. This post complements a second PDRA position based in Essex we are also currently recruiting for and which will be advertised very shortly.
The Microfocus Macromolecular Crystallography beamline I24 provides a versatile tool for life science; offering high flux, small beamsize, and flexible sample environment it is well suited to tackling challenging problems in structural biology. A bespoke end-station, automated sample exchange and two detectors: a silicon Pilatus and new cadmium telluride (CdTe) Eiger detector, combine to provide a state-of-the-art macromolecular crystallography (MX) beamline. I24 offers users conventional pin-based cryo-crystallography, room temperature experiments, and serial crystallography of microcrystals. We aim to be at the forefront of MX, developing new approaches for the most demanding structural biology problems, for example through serial approaches which have been successfully used at X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) sources such as SACLA (Japan), while the recent addition of a CdTe detector opens up a new field of high energy MX.
You will use laser activated photo-cages to carry out time resolved crystallography on metalloenzymes of both fundamental and biotechnological importance. You will explore several enzyme systems to address the chemical nature of the catalytic intermediates formed following photo cage activation working closely with members of the team at both Diamond and Essex. You will have the opportunity to participate in state-of-the-art experiments both at Diamond and leading international X-Ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) facilities.
You will also develop methods and software related to the measurement and analysis of crystallographic data for MX with a particular emphasis on time resolved serial crystallography and light activated photocages. You will assist in developing I24 and other MX beamline capabilities in collaboration with MX staff. You will be expected to interact with the beamline and users in areas relevant to your projects and will exploit, and contribute to the development of, the state-of-the-art beamline technology available at I24.
The post represents an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic person to play a key role in expanding, and adding to, the serial capabilities of I24 and Diamond.
About You
You must have a PhD or equivalent degree in relevant research area.
You will have experience in:
· Macromolecular crystallography data collection and data analysis
· The preparation of protein crystal samples
· Using synchrotron or XFEL beamlines
· Windows/ Linux/Unix
You will have proven ability in macromolecular crystallography and the ability to plan and carry out research project.
You will demonstrate good interpersonal, communication, organizational and presentational skills with the ability to interact with staff and facility users at all levels.
Benefits
Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.
To Apply
Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.
Interested candidates should feel free to contact Robin Owen (
[email protected]) for further information.
The initial closing date for applications is 19th May 2024, however applications will be reviewed and interviewed on an ongoing basis until this vacancy is filled.
