Dear colleagues,

 

The
AKV lab (https://www.akv-lab.com/) is seeking to recruit
a highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoc/Research Associate to join our
group and contribute to elucidating the molecular mechanisms of DNA transfer in
prokaryotes, with a particular focus on the interplay between membrane-embedded
complexes and DNA-repair machineries. The project will involve extensive use of
membrane protein biochemistry and single particle cryo-EM to characterize the
dynamic interplay between membrane integrated complexes and DNA-repair
complexes in mediating transfer of genetic material between cells.

 

About us:

The
AKV-lab is based at the Institute for Structural and Chemical Biology (LISCB)
and the Molecular and Cell Biology Division (MCB), University of Leicester, UK.
The University offers excellent support for international researchers and
fosters a vibrant, multicultural academic community. Our interdisciplinary
research environment provides access to state-of-the-art facilities for
biochemistry, microbiology, X-ray crystallography, and cryo-electron microscopy
(cryo-EM), including an in-house Titan Krios 300 keV microscope. The postholder
will have the opportunity to develop expertise in membrane protein
biochemistry, protein–DNA complex characterisation, cryo-EM, and complementary
biophysical and biochemical methods.

 

To learn more about our research,
please visit:
https://www.akv-lab.com/ 
https://le.ac.uk/people/abhinav-koyamangalath-vadakkepat

 

 

What would you be doing:

You
will lead an independent research project, progressing from initial cloning to
the purification of membrane protein complexes, followed by structure
determination and biochemical/biophysical mechanistic analysis. This project
will focus on complex, multi-component membrane assemblies and protein-DNA complexes involved in DNA-repair, investigated in both in-vitro
and live-cell environments. The research will employ a diverse array of
structural biology techniques, including single-particle cryo-EM, cryo-electron
tomography (cryo-ET), cross-linking mass spectrometry, molecular microbiology,
bioinformatics and live-cell imaging.

 

 

About the position:

This
postdoctoral position is funded by the European Advanced Multiscale Biological
imaging with European Research infrastructures (AMBER) program for 3 years and
the successful candidate will be based at LISCB/MCB, UK working under the
supervision of Dr. Abhinav Koyamangalath Vadakkepat and Dr. Amanda Chaplin. The
last date of application is 7th December. Since the application involves the
candidate to apply with an extensive proposal, interested candidates are
advised to contact Dr Abhinav Koyamangalath Vadakkepat, MCB & LISCB,
University of Leicester (akv10@leicester.ac.uk) as early as possible.

 

 

Candidate profile:

 

Essential criteria:
• PhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or a
closely related discipline
• Within eight years of PhD submission
• Must not have resided or undertaken their principal activity (work, study,
etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months within the three years immediately
preceding the call deadline
• Demonstrable experience in designing and executing workflows for protein
structure determination, encompassing molecular biology and biochemical
techniques such as DNA cloning, mutagenesis, protein purification and
structural studies.
• Strong motivation to address fundamental biological questions and contribute
to innovative research directions
• Excellent teamworking, communication, and organisational skills, with the
ability to work independently within a collaborative research environment

 

Desirable skills:

·      
Expertise
in membrane protein expression and purification

·      
Familiarity
with cryo-EM workflows, including sample preparation, data collection, and
processing

 

 

How to Apply
For further information and to submit an application, please visit:
https://jobs.le.ac.uk/vacancies/11358/research-associate–amber.html

 

Further details about the project
can be found at:
https://le.ac.uk/research/institutes/structural-chemical-biology/opportunities

 

Information about the AMBER
programme is available at:
https://www.ambercofund.eu/

 

 

Informal Enquiries
For informal discussions regarding this position or future opportunities,
please contact: Dr Abhinav Koyamangalath Vadakkepat, MCB & LISCB,
University of Leicester (akv10@leicester.ac.uk) and Dr Tennie Videler
(hv33@le.ac.uk).

 

 

Please share this
announcement within your institutions or forward it to anyone who might be
interested.

 

Regards,