The AKV lab 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 them:
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. Their 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 their research, please visit
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).
