Research Assistant / Associate

We have an exciting research opportunity for a Research Assistant / Associate to join our team.

The post holder will be based at the Cancer Research UK-Scotland Institute (CRUK-SI) in Glasgow https://www.crukscotlandinstitute.ac.uk/, working with Principal Investigator, Dr Stephen Carter, and in collaboration with Prof. Martin Bushell at the CRUK-SI.

CRUK-SI is one of the world's leading cancer research centres. It supports cutting-edge discovery research into the molecular mechanisms of cancer development.

This ambitious project is funded by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF), initially for 18 months with the potential for a three-year extension and is focussed on investigating the architecture of PML bodies and other nuclear condensates. We are looking to recruit a structural or cellular biologist to develop and apply ultrastructural methodologies at the heart of this project using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) combined with cryogenic correlated light and electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM) and cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling. This programme will involve state-of-the-art imaging approaches to visualise molecular details of the intricate relationships between chromatin and nuclear condensates.

The successful candidate will be trained in how to apply cryo-ET coupled with fluorescence to map key functional proteins and contribute to the study of the molecular mechanisms governing the assembly, composition and function of PML bodies and other nuclear condensates. The ideal candidate will have experience in molecular biology, cryo-EM sample preparation techniques, processing skills of cryo-tomograms, and self-motivated in designing and executing cryo-ET experiments.

The Cancer Research UK-Scotland Institute has access to instrumentation in the Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging (SCMI) https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/cvr/facilities/scmi/, such as the JEOL CRYO ARM 300 electron microscope, Leica EM GP2, a cryo-FIB instrument with a Quorum transfer stage, and the Leica THUNDER Imager EM cryo-CLEM microscope. This technology will allow the candidate to develop their skills to target events that happen deep in the cell so we can see more of the molecular mechanisms that drive the formation, maintenance and disruption of PML bodies and other nuclear condensates.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Stephen Carter Stephen.Carter@glasgow.ac.uk

This post is full-time (35 hours per week) and has funding available until 1 August 2027.

To apply online click the 'Apply' button above. 

Closing Date: 1 April 2026

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/ 

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/

Advert information