Research Fellow in Electron Microscopy

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822.

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Applications are welcomed from candidates in Europe and other overseas countries. Financial support for visa application fees is available, subject to eligibility and organisational policy.

There is a Research Fellow position in integrative structural biology in the group of Prof. Teresa Carlomagno at the University of Birmingham. The group investigates the functional mechanisms of proteins, including intrinsically disordered proteins, nucleic acids and their complexes using integrative structural biology. The laboratory develops and applies advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) methods alongside complementary techniques, including cryo-Electron Microscopy, Mass Spectrometry, Small-Angle Scattering and Fluorescence Microscopy.

The University has recently acquired a FEI Glacios 3 Cryo-Electron Microscope equipped with a Falcon 4i direct electron detector and cold field emission gun (cold-FEG). Together with state-of-the-art NMR, MS and Light Microscopy facilities, this infrastructure enables high-resolution studies of biological macromolecules and supports cutting-edge research in biosciences and biomedicine.

The Research Fellow will be proficient in high-resolution biomolecular structural determination by cryo-EM and will apply cryo-EM and complementary structural biology approaches to study RNA metabolism and regulation of gene expression. The role offers opportunities to develop new integrative structural biology approaches. The post holder will also use molecular biology, biophysical and biochemical techniques to produce and characterise biomolecular complexes in vitro, and cellular biology approaches to validate functional mechanisms in vivo.

Main Duties

• Develop research objectives and proposals aligned with the hosting laboratory's interests (Prof. Carlomagno).
• Acquire, analyse and interpret structural biology, biochemical, biophysical and cryo-EM data.
• Operate the cryo-EM microscope.
• Produce biomolecular complexes using molecular biology techniques.
• Optimise sample production, purification and cryo-EM grid preparation.
• Establish cryo-EM data analysis protocols from micrographs to structures.
• Apply specialist knowledge to advance scientific understanding.
• Disseminate findings through publications, seminars and other outputs.
• Present research outputs, including publications and posters.
• Supervise students and support PhD researchers where appropriate.
• Contribute to research funding applications.

• Develop new models, techniques and methods.
• Collect research data through experimentation and literature review.
• Resolve issues affecting research objectives and deadlines.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

Person Specification

• PhD (or near completion) in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Structural Biology or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in single-particle cryo-EM, including data acquisition, image processing, 3D reconstruction and structural analysis.
• Practical biochemical laboratory experience and/or nucleic acid handling.
• Proficiency in cryo-EM sample preparation.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Proficiency in relevant methods and techniques.
• Effective resource planning and utilisation.
• Understanding of management and administrative processes.
• Ability to contribute to research planning and delivery.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary international teams.
• Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and commitment to equality and fairness.
• Willingness to work in a competitive international research environment.

Informal enquiries to Teresa Carlomagno, email: t.carlomagno@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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