Description

The Francis Crick Institute seeks to recruit a cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) scientist to support single-particle and tomography projects.

The Senior Laboratory Research Scientist (SLRS) will be appointed to the Structural Biology Science Technology Platform (SB STP), which supports the Crick in the areas of protein science (expression and purification), biophysics, X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM and related areas. The post holder will help provide a world class platform to contribute towards key research in collaboration with the Crick scientific community. This is a lab-based position, responsible for driving forward cryo-EM research by providing scientific support and training in single-particle and tomography technologies.

The Crick has a state-of-the-art facility for cryo-electron microscopy and computation and the post will consolidate excellence in these areas. The STP currently houses two Titan Krios 300kV microscopes equipped with energy filter and direct detector and these are complemented by a Talos Arctica and Glacios 200kV microscope and two 120kV Spirit TEM screening microscopes.

There are excellent facilities for computing and expertise in experimental and computational aspects of cryo-EM being developed through the structural biology platform with support from the Crick Scientific Computing STP.

For informal queries on the role please contact Natasha Lukoyanova via email: natasha.lukoyanova@crick.ac.uk

The Role

The role of a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist in the Crick is diverse and rewarding. The role covers a wide range of different functions and allows for continuity of lab operations. The role offers support to one or more scientific projects or programmes. Within a Science Technology Platform(STP) – typical activities include:

  • Providing experimental or technical support to STP users

  • Providing technical expertise/input for the development, refinement and troubleshooting of relevant/novel methodologies.

  • Managing long-term collaborations with STP users.

  • Participating in academic activities, including group meetings and journal clubs, seminars, and scientific meetings.

  • Writing up findings for publication/and completing revisions.

  • Training and supervising other lab members in key techniques and protocols, lab operations, and equipment use.

  • Liaising with Science Operations and attending key quadrant meetings.

  • Writing risk assessments and SOPs and providing safety guidance to lab members.

Key responsibilities

These include but are not limited to:

  • Support a range of cryo-EM research activities, including sample preparation.

  • Contribute to management and maintenance of high-end cryo-electron microscopes.

  • Support experimental design including sample preparation and imaging of biological specimens.

  • Provide expertise and support in computational image analysis.

  • Provide training in both experimental and computational aspects of cryo-EM.

Experience and Competencies

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values:

Bold; Open; Collegial

Essential

  • A higher degree in biological, physical, or engineering sciences; or equivalent relevant experience.

  • Research experience and expertise in electron microscopy or a related technique.

  • Specialist knowledge of cryo-electron microscope operation and high-resolution data collection.

  • Experience in data analysis single particle images and/or tomography data.

  • Experience with field emission gun microscopes and direct electron detectors.

  • Proven track record in structural science

  • Excellent communication skills within a research environment, building highly effective working relationships with scientists and support staff.

  • Plan time efficiently and be able to work both independently and in a team setting.

Desirable

  • PhD in Structural Biology or related areas.

  • Postdoctoral experience in conducting cutting-edge research in cryo-EM.

  • Experience in the use of the cryo-FIB/SEM.

  • Authorship in peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognized scientific journals.

  • Specialist knowledge of cryo-EM reconstruction software.

  • Knowledge of scientific computing including Unix shell scripting, Matlab, Python, programming languages.

  • Flexible working practice.