Postdoctoral Research Associate, Cryo EM/ET- Bacterial Chemotaxis

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national 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.

eBIC, the Electron Bio-Imaging Centre at Diamond, is the UK national cryoEM facility, which provides scientists with state-of-the-art instruments and expertise in cryoEM. Currently eBIC houses four Titan Krios, a Talos Arctica, and a Glacios, two cryoFIB/SEM instruments (Scios and Aquilos), and a Leica cryoCLEM for correlative light and electron microscopy - diamond.ac.uk/Instruments/Biological-Cryo-Imaging/eBIC.html

About the Role

We now have two PDRA positions available in Professor Zhang’s lab at the eBIC in Diamond. The positions are funded by a 5-year ERC AdG grant award on “Molecular choreography of bacterial chemotaxis signalling”.

We are seeking highly motivated scientists to conduct high-resolution structural analysis of chemosensory arrays in distinct conformational states, in vitro and in vivo in native cells, as well as in time-resolved signalling states upon chemical stimulation, using cryoET and subtomogram averaging.

Chemotaxis - a ubiquitous biological behaviour enabling the movement of a cell or organism toward or away from chemicals - has severed as a paradigmatic model for the study of cellular sensory signal transduction and motile behaviour. This project is focused on understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of chemosensory array assembly, activation by its stimulus and high cooperativity, by determining the precise interactions between the signalling components within in vitro reconstituted array systems and in native E. coli cells. We will use a combination of innovative and cutting-edge cryoEM/ET methods, including high-resolution cryoET subtomogram averaging, time-resolved conformational changes during signalling, and computational modelling of dynamics, as well as in vivo functional assays, to investigate the structural and dynamical mechanisms underlying signal transduction, propagation, and regulation in the chemosensory array.

About You

You should have a PhD in structural biology or equivalent and have a demonstrated record of accomplishment in conducting high quality original research.

Knowledge and research experience in cryoEM and/or cryoET, including both experimental and computational, are essential.

Substantial experience in protein biochemistry and structural biology is desirable.

You should demonstrate good communication and interpersonal skills and a flexible approach to work.

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.

Diamond is a thriving international organisation, attracting a diverse range of talented individuals from around the world. Our staff currently comprises 44 nationalities and we welcome applications from everyone interested in joining us.

The initial closing date for applications is 22nd September, however applications will be reviewed and interviewed on an ongoing basis until this vacancy is filled.