Diamond light source
Postdoctoral Research Associate, cryoEM/cryoET software
Job Description
FTC upto 18 months
About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences.
About the Role
We now have an opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Professor Zhang’s lab at the Electron Bio-Imaging Centre (eBIC), Diamond Light Source, UK to develop new methods in cryoET and subtomogram averaging for in situ structural biology.
In situ structural biology by cryoET is a fast-growing field. However, software to push the quality and resolution of tomographic reconstruction is urgently needed. The current existing reconstruction software packages have limitations in refining all 3D spatial parameters, resulting suboptimal reconstruction. We have recently developed a new tilt series alignment algorithm for all 5 spatial parameters at each tilt, which is also performed entirely in Fourier space and vastly increases the processing speed. We are seeking highly motivated scientist to develop this further, including new subtomogram averaging methods in conjunction with our new cryoET data collection schemes.
The post is based in eBIC, the UK national cryoEM facility, which provides scientists with state-of-the-art instruments and expertise in cryoEM. Currently eBIC houses four academic Titan Krios, a Talos Arctica, and a Glacios, two cryoFIB/SEM instruments (Scios and Aquilos), and a Leica cryoCLEM for correlative light and electron microscopy (https://www.diamond.ac.uk/Instruments/Biological-Cryo-Imaging/eBIC.html).
For further information about this role please contact Peijun Zhang (peijun.zhang@diamond.ac.uk).
About You
You should have a PhD degree in structural biology or equivalent and have a demonstrated record of accomplishment in conducting high quality original research. Knowledge and research experience in cryoEM and cryoET, especially in image processing, are essential. Substantial experience in programming and software development is also essential.
Benefits
Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.
To Apply
Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.
The initial closing date for applications is 2nd February 2025
- Further company benefits
- Life at Diamond
- Nuvos Pension Scheme
Diamond is open to different ways of working and we are committed to supporting our employees to have more flexibility and autonomy over where, when and how long they work.
Where relevant, and possible for the role, we will consider flexible working arrangements, secondment and job share opportunities.
Diamond attracts talented individuals from around the world and currently employ 56 different nationalities. Reflecting trends in our sector we employ more men than women. Therefore, we particularly welcome applications from suitably qualified women.
If you are disabled and would like to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, please let us know via the online application process.
Diamond are members of Working Families (the UK’s work-life balance organisation) and we have also achieved the Disability Confident Level Two award.