Postdoctoral Research Associate in Structural Biology

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the team of Prof. Elena Seiradake. The Seiradake group specialises in structural biology, cell biology and neurobiology, providing access to expertise and training in these areas. This role will focus on the functions of brain receptors in nervous system development. The work will involve some or all of the following methods: single particle cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, X-ray crystallography, surface plasmon resonance, protein engineering, mammalian cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, immunostaining.

You should hold a PhD/DPhil, or be near completion of a PhD/DPhil, in a subject area involving structural biology, and have excellent relevant skills in recombinant protein expression and purification using yeast, bacterial and HEK293 cell cultures. Experience in the purification of membrane proteins and mammalian cell cultures is essential, as well as using synthetic polymers, membrane scaffold proteins and saposin A and nanodisc technology. Experience in heavy metal transporter protein purification is expected as well as having experience in cell biology assays involving iPSC-derived cultures and cell lines using immunostaining and confocal fluorescence microscopy. You will also have experience in negative stain electron microscopy and sample preparation for single particle cryogenic electron microscopy. Strong experience using ATPase activity assays is also essential. You should be well-trained, enthusiastic and self-motivated, with excellent team-working and interpersonal skills. You should also have excellent communication skills. You may be required to travel overseas to conduct collaborative experiments as and when necessary to advance the research project

This full-time fixed-term post is funded by the European Research Council for up to 3 years in the first instance. The actual starting salary offered will be based on qualifications and relevant skills acquired and will also be determined by the funding available. What We Offer Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
The University also runs an enormous amount of social groups and sports clubs for those looking for more than just a great place to work.