This vacancy is now closed
Job Title Postdocotoral Research Associate, B24
Job Reference DIA0974/CH
Post Type Full time / 3 year, fixed term contract
Division Life Science
Salary information Circa £34k
Application deadline 14/12/2014
Date of interviews 14/01/2015


Job Description

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. Located on the Harwell Science & Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire a 20 minute drive south of Oxford in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Diamond Light Source conducts world-class research in virtually all fields of science and offers rewarding career opportunities covering both technical and scientific disciplines.

A postdoc position is available to join the team developing cryo soft X-ray microscopy at Diamond Light Source, as part of the on-going program to develop new techniques we are in the final stages of constructing a cryo soft X-ray microscopy beamline to enable the study of cells and bacteria using tomography. In addition to the beamline project we are working closely with colleagues from Oxford to develop a super resolution microscope with cryogenic sample capabilities which will allow us to extend the power of the soft X-ray technique via correlative cryo light and X-ray microscopy studies. Also as part of Diamond on-going investment program the National EM Facility is being built which will bring high end cryo EM capability to Diamond. Close interactions are planned with this facility and also with our colleagues within the Research Complex at Harwell.

You would join the group working on the cryo soft X-ray microscopy project and contribute to the on-going development of the technique. You would play an active role in the commissioning the beamline and microscope and have the opportunity to be influential in establishing the facility at Diamond. There will be opportunities to participate in on-going projects which include but are not limited to the development of correlative light and X-ray microscopy (CLXM) techniques including sample preparation and sample handling and image correlation methods and joining an established collaboration using cryo soft X-ray tomography as a tool for the study of cancer related structural cell biology. The successful candidate would also be encouraged to form their own collaborations with other groups should the opportunity arise.

We anticipate that this position would be of interest to someone who has recently completed their PhD in some aspect of structural biology, possibly EM and maybe even cryoEM. Someone with a biological cryoEM background and a strong interest in methods development including sample preparation and data collection would be ideal for the position. If you have a particular interest in the development of software or tailoring existing software to meet specific needs then we would be very interested to hear from you.

We believe that this is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in the establishing and developing of a new technique for structural biology at a world leading multi-disciplinary facility. Should you wish to find out more please do not hesitate to contact Liz Duke at Elizabeth.Duke@diamond.ac.uk

The PDRA will be responsible for development of the technique of cryo soft X-ray tomography as carried out on beamline B24 at Diamond Light Source. Given the novel nature of the technique opportunities for innovative work in the areas of sample preparation, data collection and software development are possible.
Work in the team in the following areas:-

  • carrying out research activities independently or in collaboration with others as appropriate
  • performing experiments, analysing data and publication of results
  • keeping up with latest results and research directions internationally
  • interaction with users of the facility including providing advice and expertise
  • development and testing of new equipment and software.

Qualification & Experience - Essential

  • Appropriate First Degree;
  • PhD degree;
  • Ability and initiative to get to the heart of the problem and take it effectively through to completion;
  • Good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills;
  • Good organisational and planning skills;
  • Ability to interact effectively with staff at all levels;
  • Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
  • Ability to work flexibly including weekend and out-of hours working as required;
  • Self motivation;
  • Experience in the use of scientific instrumentation;
  • Experience in scientific data collection;
  • Experience in computing and data analysis. 

Qualification & Experience - Desirable

  • Experience in X-ray microscopy as applied to biological samples;
  • Experience in electron microscopy of biological samples;
  • Experience in the preparation of cryogenic samples for microscopy techniques;
  • Experience in light microscopy.

Note – As a minimum candidates should be able to demonstrate experience in either X-ray or electron microscopy as applied to biological samples.

Further Information

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

Applying for employment

For further details on applying for employment at Diamond, please visit our 'Application Form' page.

Appointments will be made depending on the skills and experience of the candidate. Electronic Diamond application forms in MS-Word are preferred. These should be emailed to recruitment@diamond.ac.uk



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