Research Associate in Structural Biology

Location: South Kensington Campus

About the role:

The Matthews laboratory (https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/s.j.matthews) in the Department of Life Sciences (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/life-sciences), Imperial College London, would like to recruit a Research Associate with practical expertise in multidisciplinary and advanced structural biology. Expertise in combining cryo-electron microscopy with other structural methods, such as NMR, would be highly suited for the position. This post, funded by the Medical Research Council, aims to uncover how cell envelop proteases from the bacterial pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes disable host proteins that activate the immune system.

The objectives are to:

1. Determine structural and dynamic basis of SpyCEP and ScpA engagement with their respective substrates, CXCL8 and C5a/C3a, and
2. Determine the structural basis of antibody-mediated inhibition of SpyCEP and ScpA.

You will join an exciting interdisciplinary team of structural biologists to tackle a major question in understanding host-pathogen interactions. The project focuses on cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) studies with complementary dynamic information from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The research builds on the lab’s strong track-record in structural microbiology.

What you would be doing:

You will enjoy intensive interactions with group members specialised in cryo-EM, NMR, biochemistry, and biophysical approaches generating a collaborative and highly productive atmosphere. We are excellently equipped for structural EM and NMR work.  Cryo-EM facilities host Glacios 200kV XFEG cryo-EM Falcon 4 Selectris energy filter, Vitrobot IV, GPU- and data storage-cluster and direct access to a Titan Krios with K3 detector as founding member of the LonCEN consortium and access through the UK national cryoEM facility at eBIC. NM For NMR we use the Cross-Faculty NMR Centre and we supplement with >950MHz time at Crick Institute and University of Birmingham.

What we are looking for:

You will have, or be near completion of, a PhD (or equivalent) in structural biology, ideally with experience in cryo-electron microscopy and/or NMR spectroscopy. You must have a strong research track record in studying protein complexes preferably demonstrated by publications in international journals. Experience in the design and execution of workflow for structure determination of proteins or cellular systems from sample preparation to acquisition and analysis of structural biology data.

You must have excellent communication skills, and be able to write clearly and succinctly for publication. You must also be able to relate well with others, form positive relationships with a wide range of people and to work as part of a team, as well as independently. The ability to develop and apply new concepts and have a creative approach to problem-solving, to set and attain research objectives in a multidisciplinary team are also essential.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment available for up to 36 months, with possibility for extension.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

If you require any further details on the role, please contact:

Professor Doryen Bubeck – d.bubeck@imperial.ac.uk

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