A post-doctoral position is available for 18 months to work in the groups of Prof Paula Booth and Sergi Garcia-Manyes. The research will focus on developing single molecule force methods to study the folding of integral membrane proteins. This is part of a long-term multi-disciplinary project investigating the membrane protein folding using innovative approaches across biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology and chemistry.
The post-holder will work within vibrant research laboratories and will be able to direct their work and collaborate with other lab members. They will also be able to develop approaches to investigate membrane protein folding. The successful candidate will work in Profs Booth and Garcia-Manyes’ laboratories at King’s College London and the Frances Crick Institute. They will also be able to participate in exciting new research initiatives as part of King’s new interdisciplinary research centre for the Physical Science of Life.
Applicants should have a PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry or a related field, and experience with membrane proteins and methods to probe their dynamics in lipid environments.
This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 18 months
This is a full-time post – 100% full time equivalent
Key responsibilities
- Undertaking state-of-the-art biophysical folding studies on helical membrane proteins. This involves membrane protein expression, molecular biology, purification and reconstitution and measurements of protein dynamics
- Advancing and developing high quality research in the field of single molecular mechanobiology
- Preparation of intact large membrane protein complexes and analytical methods such as mass spectrometry to analyse the stoichiometry and lipid binding
The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
Skills, knowledge, and experience
Essential criteria
1. Hold a PhD in Biophysics, Biochemistry or related disciplines.
2. Research experience with preparation, molecular biology and analyses of membrane proteins and membrane protein complexes, including mass spectrometry to analyse stoichiometry and dynamics and hydrogen-deuterium exchange methods
3. Proven ability at extracting membrane proteins and complexes directly from cell membranes used novel polymer methods
4. Experience with measurements of membrane protein dynamics
5. Experience of picking up cutting edge biophysical methods to investigate membrane proteins
6. Experience in project design & scientific presentations and ability to write scientific reports/ articles, prepare figures and manage submission to journals. Strong publication record in relation to membrane proteins and dynamics
7. Ability to work as part of a team and in a shared laboratory environment. Research experience, laboratory skills & ability to use/manage lab instrumentation. Ability to assist with undergraduate and postgraduate student supervision in the lab
Desirable criteria
1. Experience with single molecule or mechanical measurements
2. Experience with data analysis, programming
* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.
