- Company Name
- CHEManager International
- Job Title
- View Vacancy -- Postdoctoral Researcher - Structural Studies - Dr Suyang Zhang - LMB 2761
- Job Description
-
**Job Title**
Postdoctoral Researcher – Structural Studies (Transcription‑Coupled Splicing)
**Role Summary**
Conduct cutting‑edge research on the mechanism of co‑transcriptional spliceosome assembly, combining biochemical assays with cryo‑EM and mammalian cell isolation techniques. Work independently within a three‑year project, collaborating with colleagues across structural biology, genetics, and biochemistry to generate new insights into transcription‑splicing coupling and publish results in peer‑reviewed journals.
**Expectations**
- Reach independent research milestones within a 12‑month plan.
- Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments that generate data for manuscript preparation.
- Present findings at lab meetings, national and international conferences.
- Contribute to training of PhD students and junior staff.
- Adhere to good laboratory practice, biosafety, and data management policies.
- Actively pursue professional development and skill acquisition.
**Key Responsibilities**
- Characterize physical and functional interactions between transcription components and spliceosomal factors.
- Develop, optimize, and apply advanced cryo‑EM sample preparation, data collection, and image analysis protocols.
- Perform biochemical reconstitution and pulldown assays to map protein–protein and protein–RNA interfaces.
- Isolate and purify transcription/splicing complexes from mammalian cell lines.
- Analyze structural data to build models and test mechanistic hypotheses.
- Draft and co‑author scientific manuscripts, grant proposals, and conference abstracts.
- Mentor laboratory members, provide technical guidance, and maintain shared equipment.
- Coordinate with collaborators to integrate multidisciplinary expertise.
- Manage project resources, including consumables, instrument time, and budget tracking.
**Required Skills**
- Proficiency in cryo‑EM workflow: grid preparation, data acquisition (microscope control), and single‑particle analysis (e.g., RELION, cryoSPARC).
- Expertise in molecular biology techniques (cloning, expression, purification of mammalian proteins, RNA probes).
- Strong biochemical assay design and troubleshooting skills (e.g., EMSA, pull‑down, mass spectrometry).
- Experience with microscopy (fluorescence, confocal, or electron microscopy preferred).
- Data analysis and visualization using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent.
- Scientific writing, presentation, and teamwork.
- Ability to work independently yet collaborate across disciplines.
- Familiarity with biosafety protocols and compliance with national regulations.
**Required Education & Certifications**
- PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Genetics, or related discipline.
- Demonstrated publication record in peer‑reviewed journals, preferably with cryo‑EM or related structural data.
- May hold a current UK research safety certification (e.g., COSHH, PEL, or relevant equivalent).
Cambridge, United kingdom
On site
Junior
22-01-2026