Research Associate in Molecular Dynamics (10376)

Rosalind Franklin Institute

The Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) is a technology institute for life science, creating innovative technologies that transform our understanding of life. Our technologies, borne out of innovation in physical sciences, create collaborations and new avenues in life science which will lead to new therapeutics and advance our understanding of human biology. 

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced biophysicist/computational chemist to join our liquid phase electron microscopy team to develop molecular dynamics simulations of cryo-EM and LPEM maps to inform our experimental observations, as part of our Science Challenge on multi-dimensional imaging. Our aim is to develop simulated “movies” of the protein conformational ensemble from time-resolved cryo-EM datasets and use these to better understand the maps produced in liquid phase EM applications. Experience working with computational approaches to protein dynamics is essential, expertise in the application of molecular dynamics to cryo-EM, LPEM or other structural biology methods (X-ray/NMR/Light microscopy etc.) desirable. 

As a Research Associate at the Franklin, you will apply your scientific knowledge and skills to our goal of understanding protein dynamics in liquid phase electron microscopy, bringing independent, creative science to our project team. Through this work, you will build scientific independence, develop new science and leadership skills, and establish a growing reputation externally. 

Key Responsibilities

As a Research Associate you will: 

• Collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team of structural biologists and material scientists to achieve scientific objectives.
• Plan and conduct experiments, analyse and interpret results and supervised delivery of outputs (e.g. research reports, papers, conference abstracts, patent application) in a scientific/technology area of interest.
• Work within a project team, contributing to wider projects around key Challenges.
• Lead major contributions to outputs from research including papers, patents and both internal and external presentations.
• Support and develop others including day-to-day supervision of students or visitors in areas related to your own research.
• Have supervised, staged progression to first stages of scientific independence with opportunities to further develop science and skills/experience.
• Enhance your research through collaboration with other researchers and make active contributions to exchanging of ideas through your own network.
• Be able to understand, interpret, create and communicate appropriately within a research context.
• Develop search and discovery skills and techniques.
• Be supervised by a Scientist/Senior Scientist in delivery of research outputs, either in the context of a project or Challenge or as an early career development fellow. 

Before submitting your application, please ensure you read the Job Information Pack for full details of this role.

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. 

Whilst the role 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 £37,500 per annum (to be increased on completion of the PhD/DPhil qualification). 

In return we offer:

• 25 days holidays plus bank holidays and Christmas holiday shutdown
• Generous pension scheme (employer’s contribution currently up to 18%)
• Group Life Assurance (also known as Group Life Insurance or Death in Service)
• Hub building with state-of-the-art laboratories
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
• Bus pass discount scheme and good transport links to Oxford and surrounding areas
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to employee discount platform (Perkbox)
• Occupational Health and wellbeing support including Employee Assistance (24/7 support and counselling)
• Health Cash Plan
• Subsidised canteen and food outlets on campus
• Free on-site parking
• Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff 

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.  

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every applicant has an equal opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities. This includes making adjustments for candidates with specific needs. Please contact us at recruitment@rfi.ac.uk to discuss your requirements confidentially. 

At the Rosalind Franklin Institute we also welcome applications from all around the world! 

To be considered for this role, please submit a CV and cover letter explaining why you think you are the right person for this job via the 'Apply' button above. Please include information about your education and work experience. 

Closing date: The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 14th September 2025. 

PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT: 3 Years Fixed-Term Contract