The Role

We are currently seeking a highly motivated senior scientist to join our Structural Biology theme at the Rosalind Franklin Institute. Building on recent work demonstrating the use of focused ion beams to image cells and tissues (DOIs: 10.1038/s41467-023-36372-9; 10.1101/2022.09.21.508877), we are looking to recruit an expert in cryogenic workflows for tissues, including the preparation of vitrified specimens, the development of novel sample carriers and the streamlining of lamella preparation of tissue for downstream electron microscopy. This core funded post builds on recent success in obtaining funding for imaging tissues across scale. The post is aimed at individuals keen to bring a combination of cell biology and engineering to address questions that bridge molecular-scale imaging with high throughput and on a grand scale. This also includes developing tissue vitrification strategies compatible with novel stage designs, tertiary analysis methods and milling configurations.

Working with members of the core facility and research groups at the Franklin you will develop novel methods and carriers for tissue vitrification for cryo-lift out, imaging and plasma focused ion beam milling to produce lamella of multicellular specimens, working alongside efforts to streamline high-precision targeting in 3D and structure determination.

Electron microscopy grids are ill equipped for working with complex multicellular systems. Your primary task will be to develop vitrification carriers and workflows that more faithfully preserve tissue morphology during vitrification in a manner most suitable for structural biology studies and which enables the examination of complex biological systems. This will utilise computer aided design, manufacturing and high pressure freezing in conjunction with plasma focused ion beam milling and cryo-lift out. You will develop a workflow working closely with researchers at the Franklin (e.g. Grange group) enabling the examination of disease-relevant observations in-situ using multi-modal imaging to streamline the targeting of specific regions of interest, and optimising protocols for ion beam milling at high and low currents. This post will be linked to our electrifying life science project to perform large volume tomography.

About You

Candidates must hold a post-graduate qualification/PhD (or equivalent experience) in engineering, physics, material sciences, biochemistry, structural biology, or another relevant subject. We are looking for candidates with a demonstrated ability to deliver project outputs (publications, datasets, patents etc) in a timely manner, the ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team, as well as strong organisational and communication skills. Experience with formulating research questions and devising strategies to address these questions is essential for this role.

This post would be ideal for a candidate who has experience in building novel instrumentation or modifying existing equipment for novel purposes and who has an interest in applying their skills in correlative light and electron microscopy techniques (cryoEM or FIB/SEM methods) (cryo or room temperature).  The ideal candidate would drive developments of a robust, bespoke platform for tissue preparation and vitrification. They will enable projects and integrate this into plasma ion technologies at the institute. The successful candidate would be expected to make significant intellectual contributions to the institute/group and provide mentorship for junior researchers. In return, the successful candidate will be afforded training in high end (cryo) SEM and TEM methods, with access to latest and beyond state of art equipment.

The institute maintains several high-end transmission electron microscopes with emergent/new technologies, 2 florescence integrated plasma focused ion beam scanning electron microscopes, 2 (cryo) confocal microscopes and light sheet developments as well as other ancillary microscopes/equipment.

Responsibilities

You will:

• Develop new methods/workflows for the vitrification of multicellular (tissue) systems.
• Development of novel carriers for FIB milling and cryoET.
• Integrate 3D targeting approaches for cryo correlative electron microscopy into carrier design, workflows, and plasma FIB workflows.
• Integrate instrumentation from multiple manufactures, novel stage designs and streams for in-situ structural methods.
• Provide guidance to software developers of machine learning methods for streamlining lamella production, cryo-lift out and tomographic data acquisition.
• Be a focal point of advice and supervision for junior researchers in in-situ structural methods.
   

In return we offer:

• 25 days holidays + site close for Christmas (in addition to your allowance)
• Hybrid working
• Generous pension scheme (employer’s contribution currently up to 18%)
• Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
• Bus pass discount scheme
• Access to employee discount platform via Perkbox (discounts/wellbeing/Employee Assistance/counselling)
• Occupational Health services
• Health cash plan
• Access to wellbeing resources through Thrive
• Subsidised on-site canteen
• Free on-site parking
• Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff
• Before submitting your application please ensure you read the Job Information Pack for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment at the bottom of this page.

About us: The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a new national Research Centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology.

Location: The Franklin is based in Harwell Campus, UK’s innovation hub and well-established as one of the leading science and innovation campuses in Europe. 

At the Rosalind Franklin Institute we welcome applications from all around the world!

Closing date: Sunday 4th June 2023

Applicants should refer to our Candidate Privacy Policy

Area Scientific
Location Harwell
Type of Post Full Time
Period of appointment 5 years fixed-term contract
Salary £42,500 - £50,500 per annum (depending on experience)
Closing Date 04/06/2023
Ref No 10279