We are seeking to appoint a CLEM & cryoET scientist with expertise in in situ structural biology to take a leading role in managing the ICR's exciting new resources and research drive in correlative light & electron microscopy (CLEM) and cryo-electron tomography (cryoET).
Join a fantastic work environment as a key technical and scientific expert enabling cutting-edge advances in structural and molecular biology within the living cell, using light and electron microscopy of vitrified cells and tissues.
In this role you will provide essential technical expertise in developing methods and workflows in CLEM and cryoET to target cellular processes for structural interrogation; and will train, support and advise a wide range of researchers to ensure these breakthrough methods are best harnessed in the world-class research of the Structural Biology Division and of research groups across the Institute and our partners beyond.
The recent installation of a new suite of sample preparation and cryo-confocal instruments provides excellent resources in addition to the world-class instrumentation in ICR's light microscopy facility and electron microscopy facility. With the support and collaboration of enthusiastic and experienced colleagues in the light and electron microscopy facilities, this is an opportunity to work at the centre of, and to grow, a hub of expertise in in situ structural and molecular biology by CLEM and cryoET.
Key Requirements
The successful candidate will have experience and excellent scientific understanding of the application of light and electron microscopy to in situ structural biology, and can demonstrate the following key abilities:
- Expertise in the preparation of cells on grids via plunge freezing, or tissues by high pressure freezing for cryogenic imaging in a vitreous state.
- Proven experience in operating advanced light and electron microscopy equipment.
- Proven experience in cryogenic electron tomography (cryoET) and sub-tomographic averaging, including data collection, tomographic reconstruction and averaging.
- Experience designing samples and projects using CLEM methods to enable in situ molecular reconstruction.
- Ability to critically judge the quality/feasibility of cryoET and CLEM projects.
- Ability to support researchers from different teams in their research projects through training and technical supervision/guidance.
- Ability to work effectively with facility users, colleagues and contractors, including PhD students, research staff, collaborators, stores and facilities, engineers and visitors.
Department/Directorate Information:
This post is a collaboration between the Electron Microscopy Facility (Structural Biology) and the Light Microscopy Facility (Core Research Facilities).
At the ICR we aim to defeat cancer through scientific excellence, innovation and partnership. These principles also underpin our approach to scientific infrastructure, which is among the very best of any research centre in the UK. The ICR benefits from our continual investment in world-leading scientific services that combine cutting-edge equipment with a highly skilled workforce.
The Division of Structural Biology aims to describe the structural and biochemical properties of proteins and the complexes they form, in order to understand the significance of these proteins in the development and treatment of cancer. Current research areas include the mechanisms of gene transcription, mRNA splicing, the DNA damage response, genome integrity, cell cycle regulation, protein homeostasis, cell signalling and drug discovery. Our state-of-the-art Microscopy Facilities are a vital component of our research infrastructure and key to training the next generation of Structural Biologists.
We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Teige Matthews-Palmer via Email at [email protected].