PDRA: Structural Basis of Bacteriophage Host Cell Lysis
About Us
Diamond Light Source is one of the world’s most advanced scientific facilities. We’re home to the UK’s synchrotron light source – a giant microscope producing beams of light 10 billion times brighter than the sun. Probing the structure and composition of matter, our work drives innovation in everything from vaccines to nanotech.
About the Role
We now have an opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the electron Bio-Imaging Centre (eBIC) at Diamond Light Source to study the structural basis of bacteriophage host-cell lysis. The successful candidate will use high resolution Cryo-Tomography as well as single particle Cryo-EM to unravel the molecular mechanisms by which bacteriophages escape from the host cell. The position is for a fixed period of 3 years.
The project is a collaboration between the group of Dr. Christos Savva at eBIC and Prof. Ryland Young at Texas A&M University. eBIC is the UK National Centre for cryo-electron microscopy in the life sciences. eBIC provides scientists with state-of-the-art equipment and expertise in the field of cryo-electron microscopy (CryoEM), for single particle analysis, cryo-electron tomography and electron crystallography. Together with eBIC for Industry, our site hosts eight TEM microscopes for the life sciences (5 Titan Krios's, 1 Talos Arctica, 2 Glacios's), 2 Dual Beam SEM’s capable of lamella milling (Scios and Aquilos 2 with cryo lift out) and a Leica cryoCLEM.
For previous work please see:
Spatial and temporal control of lysis by the lambda holin.
Stable micron-scale holes are a general feature of canonical holins.
Micron-scale holes terminate the phage infection cycle.
The holin of bacteriophage lambda forms rings with large diameter.
About You
You will hold or be close to completing a PhD in life sciences with strong experience in structural biology (Cryo-EM, SPA and/or Tomography) and expertise in bacterial expression systems and protein purification. Experience in microbiology/phage biology will be considered an advantage but not essential.
For informal enquiries feel free to contact Christos Savva (christos.savva@diamond.ac.uk)
Benefits
Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.
To Apply
Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.
The closing date for applications is 13th July 2025, however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.
Other information
Diamond is open to different ways of working and we are committed to supporting our employees to have more flexibility and autonomy over where, when and how long they work.
Where relevant, and possible for the role, we will consider flexible working arrangements, secondment and job share opportunities.
Diamond attracts talented individuals from around the world and currently employ 56 different nationalities. Reflecting trends in our sector we employ more men than women. Therefore, we particularly welcome applications from suitably qualified women.
If you are disabled and would like to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, please let us know via the online application process.
Diamond are members of Working Families (the UK’s work-life balance organisation) and we have also achieved the Disability Confident Level Two award.