Two Research Associates with expertise in structural biology, and in membrane biophysics are
sought. Joining a collaborative research team with the Bubeck
lab at
Imperial College London and the Wallace
lab at
King’s College London we aim to uncover how the membrane attack complex (MAC) kills bacterial pathogens in the context of the cell envelope.

Duties and responsibilities

Funded by a five year Wellcome Trust Investigator Award, the project’s objectives are to discover
(1) where MAC is located within the bacterial envelope and (2) how MAC activation controls bacterial killing. You will join an exciting interdisciplinary team of structural biologists and membrane biophysicists to tackle this major outstanding question in
understanding host-pathogen interactions. Linking cryo electron tomography and superresolution studies of MAC within the context of a series of novel mimics of the Gram-negative cell envelope, the research builds on a combined track-record in complement structural
biology and artificial membranes.

Essential requirements

Research Associate 1 (Research Associate in Structural Biology of the Membrane Attack Complex),
 based in the Bubeck lab at Imperial College London, will hold a PhD (or equivalent) in structural biology, ideally with experience in cellular tomography. You must have a strong research track record in studying protein-protein and protein-membrane complexes
preferably demonstrated by first author publications in international journals. Experience in the design and execution of workflow for structure determination of proteins or cellular systems from sample preparation to acquisition and analysis of structural
biology data. Additional expertise in microbiology is very suited for the position. This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment available for up to 36 months. Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for the full list of requirements.

Research Associate 2 (Research Associate in Artificial Cell Envelopes) based in the Wallace lab
at King’s College London will focus on building new artificial and biohybrid models of the gram-negative cell envelope, compatible with single-molecule and superresolution fluorescence imaging and cryo electron tomography. You will hold a PhD (or equivalent)
in membrane biophysics, optical microscopy or multiphase microfluidics. Experience in artificial membranes, superresolution microscopy, microbiology, and microfluidics are desirable. This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment available for up to 48 months.

Both posts require excellent verbal and written communication skills, and be able to write clearly
and succinctly for publication. You must also be able to relate well with others, form positive relationships with a wide range of people and to work as part of a team, as well as independently. The ability to develop and apply new concepts, have a creative
approach to problem-solving, and to set and attain research objectives in a multidisciplinary team are also essential.

Best wishes,