Postdoctoral Research Associate - Correlative Microscopy
Based onsite - Diamond Light Source
About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences.
About the Role
eBIC (the Electron Bio-Imaging Centre based at Diamond Light Source) provides scientists with state-of-the-art experimental equipment and expertise in the field of cryo-electron microscopy, for single particle analysis, cryo-tomography and electron crystallography. Currently, eBIC houses four Titan Krios microscopes, a Talos Arctica, Scios and Aquilos cryo-FIB/SEM, and additional Krios and Glacios for industry applications (https://www.diamond.ac.uk/Instruments/Biological-Cryo-Imaging/eBIC.html).
We are seeking a highly motivated PDRA on a 16 month fixed term contract to develop and apply a multi-scale and correlative microscopy workflow to understand the germicidal effects of anti-microbial agents on microorganisms. This is a collaboration between Procter & Gamble and the Diamond Light Source. You will use optical microscopes (cryoSIM and Leica cryoCLEM), cryo-Soft X-ray Tomography (SXT), with Scios/Aquilos cryoFIB/SEM instrument and Krios microscopes at Diamond and set up novel experiments to investigate how individual antimicrobial agents (AMA) affect the cell (e.g. peroxidation, lipid plasticisation, chelation of multivalent cations bound to the lipids and permeation of small molecules through it) and to identify the best combination for fast kill.
About You
You should have a PhD degree in biophysics or related field and have a demonstrated record of accomplishment in conducting high quality original research. Knowledge at postgraduate level in cryoEM/ET is essential and experience in fluorescence microscopy and live cell imaging is desirable.
Benefits
Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus 13 days of statutory and company holidays and 2 annual volunteering days, along with flexible working hours and an excellent 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 12th May 2024 , 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 attract talented individuals from around the world and currently employ 44 different nationalities. Reflecting trends in our sector we employ more men than women (77% men and 23% women as at March 2021). 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), we have also achieved the Athena SWAN Bronze award and Disability Confident Level Two.