Research Fellow in Structural Parasitology

Biosciences is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students.

Our team, led by Dr. Josie Ferreira, is based in the Department of Structural and Molecular Biology. We study how the Plasmodium parasite’s cytoskeleton is adapted for the multiple ecological niches it encounters during its lifecycle. This research requires a multidisciplinary approach, and will provide opportunities across structural biology, biochemistry, cell biology and biophysics.

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our lab to study the unusual cytoskeleton of the malaria parasite. Our initial characterisation of the parasite’s cytoskeleton (Ferreira et al. 2023 Nature Communications) revealed that Plasmodium has a remarkable range of non-canonical microtubule structures – some never observed in other organisms.

This project will build on this work, aiming to understand how Plasmodium assembles and utilises its distinctive microtubule cytoskeleton to drive transmission of the parasite. This will involve using cryo-EM, cryo-ET, FIB milling, and subvolume averaging to determine microtubule structures and study how their non-canonical forms confer important and unique properties to the parasite.

Collaborations with local and international labs will also provide a range of biophysics techniques to probe these structures. The research will be conducted in a friendly and supportive environment wit h access to outstanding facilities and in the heart of London.

This post is funded by the Wellcome Trust for 3 years in the first instance on UCL Grade 7 (£42,099 per annum inclusive of London Allowance).

If you have any queries about the role or need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please see contact details on the UCL job advert page.

You will hold a PhD or be near completion of a PhD in structural biology, cell biology, parasitology, biophysics or a related discipline. You will have knowledge and experience with cryoEM (or electron cryo-tomography) sample preparation, data collection and processing and/or have relevant knowledge and experience in Plasmodium (or other eukaryotic parasite) cell culture. You will have demonstrated ability to manage your time and plan your own research and associated activities and be excited to think creatively about a new project.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits. Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

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