Research Associate (Bioenergetics and Single-Molecule Biophysics)

Job description:

Are you a creative biochemist or biophysicist who is excited by the prospect of tackling one of the longest-standing puzzles in cellular energy conversion? We have a remarkable opportunity to join Professor Matt Johnson’s group in the School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, working on a three-year BBSRC-funded project that investigates how bioenergetic supercomplexes promote electron transfer in respiration and photosynthesis.

Electron transfer reactions in mitochondria, chloroplasts, and bacteria sustain virtually all life on Earth, yet a central mystery has persisted for decades: why do many of the membrane complexes involved cluster into larger supercomplexes, and what advantage do these assemblies confer? Our group recently developed a novel single-molecule atomic force microscopy (smAFM) approach that, for the first time, resolves the fleeting ‘encounter’ complexes that precede successful electron transfer. Our preliminary data suggest that supercomplexes enhance the formation of these encounter complexes, reframing how we understand these essential processes.

You will lead the experimental programme that tests this hypothesis across bacterial, mitochondrial, and chloroplast systems. You will combine smAFM with mass photometry, microscale thermophoresis, and spectroscopy; design site-directed mutants to dissect the molecular basis of supercomplex function; and engineer artificial supercomplexes in Chlamydomonas using CRISPR-Cas9. You will also work closely with international collaborators who contribute structural biology, molecular dynamics, and biochemical expertise.

You will join one of the leading photosynthesis and bioenergetics research environments in the UK. The School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield is home to a thriving community of biophysicists, structural biologists, plant scientists, and microbiologists, and the multi-million-pound Imagine: Imaging Life facility provides state-of-the-art atomic force, confocal, and cryo-electron microscopy on site. Bioenergetics is a strategic priority of the School, and you will benefit from extensive institutional support for facilities, training, and career development.

Applicants must have a PhD (or be close to completion / have equivalent postdoctoral work experience) in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, plant sciences, microbiology, or a closely related discipline. Substantial practical experience in protein biochemistry, including the purification and biochemical characterisation of membrane proteins or large multi-subunit protein complexes along with experience of one or more biophysical methods for quantifying protein-protein interactions, for example atomic force microscopy, mass photometry, microscale thermophoresis, surface plasmon resonance, or fluorescence-based techniques are also essential.

This is an outstanding opportunity to develop your skills across single-molecule biophysics, membrane protein biochemistry, synthetic biology, and computational structural biology, working at the interface of fundamental discovery and translational application in food security and clean growth. Findings will be published in high-impact journals and presented at major international meetings, supporting your transition to research independence.

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do & their diverse backgrounds, abilities & beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university. We offer a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pension scheme, flexible working, a commitment to your development & wellbeing, retail discounts, and more. Find out more at sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits.

We are committed to exploring flexible working opportunities which benefit the individual & the University.

We build teams of people from different heritages & lifestyles from across the world, whose talent & contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching & student experience.

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