Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Single-Molecule Biophysics/Biochemistry

University College London
April 30, 2023
Offerd Salary:£38,308 - £40,386
Location:Graeme King Lab, Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Darwin Building, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT, London
Working address:Graeme King Lab, Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Darwin Building, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT, London
Contract Type:Fixed contract (1-4 years)
Working Time:Full-time position
Working type:On site
Ref info:B02-04270

About us

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the research team led by Dr Graeme King (http://www.graemekinglab.com) at University College London, UK. The King lab is an interdisciplinary lab that seeks to understand the fundamental mechanisms that underpin genome organisation and gene regulation. To this end, we use a combination of single-molecule biophysical techniques, biochemistry and quantitative data analysis. We are especially interested in understanding how changes in DNA architecture and topology drive genomic processes. We are based in the Department of Structural and Molecular Biology at UCL, which is part of the Division of Biosciences (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biosciences), one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences. We are also a member of the UCL/Birkbeck Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology (http://www.ismb.lon.ac.uk), which is one of the internationally premier institutions in multidisciplinary life sciences.

About the role

The successful applicant will engage in an ambitious and interdisciplinary research programme, funded by the Leverhulme Trust (https://www.leverhulme.ac.uk), to investigate how epigenetic modifications regulate DNA architecture in the genome. The research will involve the use of cutting-edge single-molecule biophysical techniques, including optical tweezers and fluorescence imaging assays. In parallel, the post holder will implement a novel biochemical strategy to prepare the relevant biological samples for the single-molecule experiments. The position will suit researchers with an interest in genome organisation, epigenetics, DNA-protein interactions and single-molecule biophysics.

Appointment is at Grade 7, in the range from spinal point 29 to 31 (salary £38,308 - £40,386 per annum). Note that this is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD. If this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary £34,502 - £36,348 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.

The position is available for 3 years, from 1st March 2023.

As part of your application, you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV. Your supporting statement should explain your motivation for the position and describe how you meet the criteria listed in the job description.

If you have any queries about the role, please contact Dr Graeme King at [email protected]

About you

You should hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in either biophysics, physics, physical chemistry, biochemistry, or a related area. You should have expertise in biophysics, biochemistry and quantitative data analysis. Practical experience of single-molecule biophysical techniques, nucleic acid biochemistry and DNA-protein studies is desirable. In addition, you should have the following:

• Self-motivation and a strong ability and interest in conducting interdisciplinary research

• The ability to analyse and write up data, leading to peer-reviewed publications

• The ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• An excellent publication record

• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team

• Commitment to high quality research

• The ability to work harmoniously with colleagues and students of all cultures and backgrounds

We appreciate that some well-suited candidates may not always feel able to judge if they meet all of the requirements. If you are in doubt, we encourage you to get in touch.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

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