Postdoctoral Research Associate - Correlative Microscopy

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire

Full time / Flexible hours considered.

16 Months Fixed Term

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. 

About the Role

eBIC (the Electron Bio-Imaging Centre based at Diamond Light Source) provides scientists with state-of-the-art experimental equipment and expertise in the field of cryo-electron microscopy, for single particle analysis, cryo-tomography and electron crystallography. Currently, eBIC houses four Titan Krios microscopes, a Talos Arctica, Scios and Aquilos cryo-FIB/SEM, and additional Krios and Glacios for industry applications (https://www.diamond.ac.uk/Instruments/Biological-Cryo-Imaging/eBIC.html).

 We are seeking a highly motivated PDRA to develop and apply a multi-scale and correlative microscopy workflow to understand the germicidal effects of anti-microbial agents on microorganisms. This is a collaboration between Procter & Gamble and the Diamond Light Source. You will use optical microscopes (cryoSIM and Leica cryoCLEM), cryo-Soft X-ray Tomography (SXT), with Scios/Aquilos cryoFIB/SEM instrument and Krios microscopes at Diamond and set up novel experiments to investigate how individual antimicrobial agents (AMA) affect the cell (e.g. peroxidation, lipid plasticisation, chelation of multivalent cations bound to the lipids and permeation of small molecules through it) and to identify the best combination for fast kill. 

About You

You should have a PhD degree in biophysics or related field and have a demonstrated record of accomplishment in conducting high quality original research. Knowledge at postgraduate level in cryoEM/ET is essential and experience in fluorescence microscopy and live cell imaging is desirable.  

Benefits

Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus 13 days of statutory and company holidays and 2 annual volunteering days, along with flexible working hours and an excellent 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.

The closing date for applications is 8th October 2023 however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.

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