Job Title: Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Structural Biochemist (SLRS)
Details of the role: 2 yr fixed term, full-time. Working pattern: Monday – Friday.
Salary: From £44,360 with benefits, dependent on skills and experience
Application closing date: 02/05/25 23:59 GMT
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.
The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture.
About the role
The Enchev Lab is offering a unique opportunity to get involved in developing and applying methods for directly observing biochemical processes at atomic spatial and millisecond time resolution. Our work combines microfluidics devices to mix and incubate biochemical samples on sub-second timescales with rapid spray-plunge freezing for subsequent three-dimensional structure determination by time-resolved cryo-EM (trEM). By iterating this procedure at increasing incubation times and using machine learning-based approaches to map conformational landscapes, we generate time-lapse “movies” of biochemical binding and enzymatic reactions.
This role will support academic and industry collaborations and early-stage proof-of-concept trEM studies. Team working and an open mind as to how other disciplines and technologies can advance our work are critical.
What you will be doing
As an SLRS at the Crick, you will be involved in:
- Protein Expression and Purification
- Design and generate protein expression constructs.
- Express recombinant proteins using bacterial and insect cell systems.
- Purify recombinant proteins using affinity, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography.
- Biochemical and Structural Characterization
- Conduct quantitative biochemical binding and activity assays.
- Carry out standard as well as time-resolved cryo-EM sample preparation.
- Independently perform single-particle cryo-EM screening and data collection.
- Process single-particle cryo-EM datasets.
- Perform model building into high-resolution cryo-EM maps.
About you
The essential criteria you will bring:
- PhD in biochemistry (or related fields) or equivalent experience.
- Practical experience with protein expression, purification and in vitro protein biochemistry.
- Theoretical and practical expertise in cryo-electron microscopy, single particle analysis and model building.
- Track record of writing papers as evidenced by preprints and/or publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Ability to work flexibly, both independently and as part of a team.
- Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings.
What will you receive?
At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:
- Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
- Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
- Health & Well-being: 24/7 GP consultation services, occupational health services, and mental health support programs.
- Work-Life Balance: Back-up care for dependents, childcare support allowance, annual leave purchase options, and Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support.
- Perks: Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, shopping discounts, and subsidised on-site restaurant.
At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…