Research Associate in Structural Biology

South Kensington Campus - On site only

About the role

The Bubeck laboratory (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/d.bubeck) in the Department of Life Sciences (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/life-sciences), Imperial College London, is looking to recruit a Research Associate with high level of expertise in cellular tomography. Additional expertise in microbiology is very suited for the position.

This post, funded by a highly competitive Wellcome Trust Investigator Award, aims to uncover how the membrane attack complex (MAC) kills bacterial pathogens. The project’s primary objective is to discover 1) where MAC is located within the bacterial envelope and 2) how does MAC activation control bacterial killing. The postholder will join an exciting interdisciplinary team of structural biologists and membrane biophysicists to tackle a major question in understanding host-pathogen interactions. The project focuses on cryo electron tomography-based studies of MAC within the context of a series of model membrane systems. The research builds on the lab’s strong track-record in complement structural biology and is closely linked with research activities in membrane biophysics with Prof. Prof. Mark Wallace at King’s College London.

What you would be doing

You will have, or be near completion of, a PhD (or equivalent) in structural biology, ideally with experience in cellular tomography. You must have a strong research track record in studying protein-protein and protein-membrane complexes preferably demonstrated by first author publications in international journals. Experience in the design and execution of workflow for structure determination of proteins or cellular systems from sample preparation to acquisition and analysis of structural biology data.

What we are looking for

You must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and be able to write clearly and succinctly for publication. You must also be able to relate well with others, form positive relationships with a wide range of people and to work as part of a team, as well as independently. The ability to develop and apply new concepts and have a creative approach to problem-solving, to set and attain research objectives in a multidisciplinary team are also essential.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment available until 30 April 2027 with possibility for extension.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

If you require any further details on the role please contact:

Professor Doryen Bubeck – d.bubeck@imperial.ac.uk

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