Postdoctoral Research Assistant

About the Role

A Postdoctoral Research Assistant position is available at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) to work with Dr Vladimir Volkov. The post is funded by Wellcome Trust on a project entitled “Structural and mechanistic understanding of kinetochore-mediated control of microtubule dynamics”.

The goal of this ambitious project is to understand at the structural level how the kinetochore-microtubule interface senses and transmits mechanical forces to ensure error-less cell division. Long-term support provided by the Wellcome funding enables the team to explore the subject in depth using a variety of methods of biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology, many of these developed uniquely in the Volkov lab.

About You

We are looking for a creative and motivated individual, to join our diverse international team at QMUL. The successful candidate should have or expect to soon receive a PhD (or equivalent) in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, or a related field. The candidate is expected to have a strong background in protein biochemistry, either in purification of recombinant proteins, or in reconstitution of biological processes using purified proteins.

While not necessary, experience in quantitative approaches to image analysis and/or segmentation would provide an advantage.

You will have access to advanced single-molecule and super-resolution fluorescence microscopes within the BBSRC-funded Centre for Cell Dynamics at QMUL, and to cryoEM sample preparation and data collection at QMUL EM facility and the Francis Crick Institute (via LonCEM consortium), respectively. Other inter-disciplinary lines of research are available through established collaborations with external research groups. The position comes with funds for conference travel and for additional research-intensive training courses, and support in applying for independent fellowships.

Candidates close to completion of their PhD will initially be appointed in the junior research training zone of the salary scales. Grade 4 (£37,472- £38,082 per annum).

About the School/Department/Institute/Project

The School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences is one of the largest Schools within Queen Mary University of London and is committed to excellence in research and teaching. The Department offers a lively and stimulating environment for staff and students, well integrated into the School

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits 

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

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