Postdoctoral Fellow - Structural Biology and Cytoskeletal Remodeling - Chaaban Lab

Location: The Francis Crick Institute, Midland Road, London

Contract: Full-time, fixed-term (4 years)

About us  

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. 

To learn more about the Crick, click here.

About the role

We are seeking a curious and motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Cytoskeletal Coordination Laboratory, opening in January 2027 at the Francis Crick Institute.

Our lab investigates how molecular machines build, remodel and dismantle the cytoskeleton. We are particularly interested in how these activities are coordinated during cell division, when cells must reorganise their internal architecture and ultimately separate into two daughter cells.

As an early member of the lab, you will have the opportunity to shape the research programme, establish experimental approaches and contribute to an open and supportive research environment.

Further information: https://www.crick.ac.uk/research/labs/sami-chaaban

The successful candidate will investigate how protein machines remodel microtubules. The project will address two linked questions: how these complexes assemble and engage microtubules to couple chemical energy to structural changes, and how interactions with partner proteins regulate their activity.

Cryo-electron microscopy will be a major component of the project, alongside reconstitution with purified proteins and fluorescence microscopy.

What you will be doing 

• Developing and leading a research project investigating the molecular mechanisms of cytoskeletal remodeling.
• Producing and characterizing recombinant proteins and protein complexes, and establishing assays to measure their interactions and activity.
• Using cryo-EM and computational image analysis to investigate the organisation and conformational states of molecular assemblies.
• Integrating structural findings with biochemical and fluorescence microscopy experiments to test mechanistic hypotheses.
• Analysing and documenting experiments rigorously, presenting findings at scientific meetings, and contributing to manuscripts and publications.

Click here for full job description

About you 

You will bring 

• A PhD, or a PhD in the final stages of submission, in structural biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, or a related discipline. *
• Experimental expertise in protein biochemistry and cryo-EM, including sample preparation and data collection. *
• Experience designing experiments, applying appropriate statistical analysis, critically interpreting data and troubleshooting research problems. *
• Evidence of communicating research clearly through scientific writing and presentations. *

Minimum criteria*

About Working at the Crick 

Our values  

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. 
• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. 
• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community. 

At the Crick, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. If you need assistance with your application, please contact karen.au@crick.ac.uk.

To read more about our EDI approach, click here.

What will you receive?  

We value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development. You can find out more about what we offer here.

Please apply via the ‘Apply’ button above.

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