Senior Structural Biologist

Description

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Job Title:Senior Structural Biologist

Please note, internally, this role is called

Details of the role:2 yr fixed term, full-time. Working pattern: Monday – Friday.

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. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to collaborate and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy. 

About the role

 This is a unique and exciting opportunity to join the Visual Biochemistry Laboratory, led by Dr. Radoslav Enchev, at the forefront of time-resolved cryo-electron microscopy (trEM). This cutting-edge technique allows us to directly visualise biochemical reactions as they occur, capturing molecular events at near-atomic resolution and on millisecond time scales. As a member of our team, you will assist in developing and applying methods that capture biochemical events into detailed molecular “movies”. Our work combines state-of-the-art microfluidic devices for rapid and precise mixing and incubation of samples, spray-plunge vitrification and single-particle cryo-EM. By systematically increasing incubation times and integrating machine learning to map conformational landscapes, we generate time-lapse three-dimensional structures of binding events and enzymatic reactions, capturing intermediates that drive biological function.

This role will support both academic and industry collaborations, early-stage proof-of-concept projects, as well as ongoing trEM studies. Projects will vary in scope and duration. One representative example involves the cloning, recombinant expression and purification of Cullin-RING ligases and their substrates, followed by biochemical characterisation, time-resolved cryo-EM sample preparation, data collection and analysis. 

What you will be doing

We are seeking a passionate and highly motivated scientist with a strong background in biochemistry and cryo-EM to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will play a central part in developing and applying trEM techniques across a broad spectrum of projects. The post-holder requires a collaborative mindset and an open approach to integrating insights and technologies from other disciplines.

As anSenior laboratory research scientistat the Crick, you will be involved in: 

Protein Expression and Purification

Clone and generate protein expression constructs. Express and purify recombinant proteins (bacterial and insect cell systems) using standard chromatographic techniques. Design and carry out biochemical assays to validate protein function and interactions.

Cryo-electron microscopy

Prepare high-quality cryo-EM samples (on a Vitrobot), as well as time-resolved sample vitrification with our custom Chronobot device (training provided). 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

A PhD (or equivalent experience) in biochemistry, structural biology or related field. Practical experience with protein expression, purification and in vitro protein biochemistry. Strong practical and theoretical knowledge of cryo-EM, 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.

About Working at the Crick

Our values

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture! 

We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently.  We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.  We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community. 

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. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: 

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: 

Visas:Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK 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.  Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans. Work-Life Balance:  Back-up care for dependents.  Childcare support allowance.  Annual leave purchase options.  Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.Perks:  Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.  Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.