Diamond Light Source is a new synchrotron and a leading scientific facility of its type in the world. Located on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in South Oxfordshire, we host facilities supporting cutting edge research in all fields of science.

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilful Post Doctoral Research Associate to join the MX group at Diamond as member of the I02 beamline team. You will take on a number of ongoing challenging structural biology projects themed around membrane transporter proteins and join our efforts to improve methods for sample handling and data collection.

Our target proteins are P-type ATPase and ABC transporters and we benefit from a close collaboration with the Membrane Protein Laboratory at Diamond. We also have a huge interest in continued development of beamline experiments, crystal manipulation, and room temperature data collection.

Within Life Sciences at Diamond we also have a range of beamlines dedicated to techniques other than crystallography, and we encourage cross beamline projects which make use of CD, SAXS, and IR spectroscopy, to take advantage of our unique location. We also foresee use of the facilities within the newly opened MRC led Research Complex at Harwell as well as other facilities on site which is a true scientific hub providing numerous enabling facilities.

This post is a research oriented position. The main purpose/focus is to carry out structural biology research within the guidance provided by Group Leader. In addition, post holder will support facility users by providing advice and guidance on the best approach to experiments.

• Undertake structural biology research within the guidance provided by Group Leader;
• Develop experimental and data analysis techniques and impletment them on the beamline for users;
• Publish results in international peer-reviewed journals;
• Provide support for facility users (local contact);
• Assist with specific beamline tests or improvements as required;
• Assist with standard sample preparation and data collection;
• Follow litterature /publications within structural biology in general and area of research in particular;
• Attend relevant scientific meetings.

• PhD in biochemistry or related disciplines; or equivalent qualification or experience;
• Sound understanding of methods, systems and approaches relating to macromolecular crystallography;
• Good laboratory research skills;
• Good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills;
• Good problem solving skills;
• Ability to plan and carry out a research project;
• Ability to interact effectively with staff at all levels;
• Ability to work on own initiative and take personal responsibility for delivery of work;
• Must be available to travel occasionally within the UK and abroad, including overnight absences.

• Experience or knowledge of synchrotrons;
• Experience of beamline instrumentation;
• Experience of circular dichroism and small angle x-ray scattering;
• Ability to write research papers.

• Must be available to travel occasionally within the UK and abroad, including overnight absences.