Faculty of Biological Sciences Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology School of Molecular and Cellular Biology
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Faculty of Biological Sciences Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology School of Molecular and Cellular Biology Post-doctoral Research Fellow: Structural Biology (Electron Microscopy) Fixed term for 3 years (with possible extension to 4 or 5 years subject to funding), available from 1 November 2013, or as soon as possible thereafter ERC Advanced Grant “Amyloid Fibril Cytotoxicity: New Insights from Novel Approaches” Applications are invited for an ERC-funded postdoctoral research assistant to join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team focusing on the use of structural and cell biological methods to investigate the molecular mechanisms of protein aggregation into amyloid fibrils in vitro and the effects of aggregated/disaggregated species on cellular homeostasis. This large programme involves collaboration between the groups of Professor Sheena Radford and Drs David Brockwell, Neil Ranson, Eric Hewitt and Prof Alison Ashcroft within the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology. Ultimately, the programme of research will involve the appointment of four post-doctoral fellows. We are now seeking a post-doctoral research assistant with skills in cryo-electron microscopy/tomography to join this team. You will focus on the use of cryo- electronmicroscopy/tomography, and super-resolution light microscopy to study the structure of amyloid aggregates and the interactions they make with biological membranes. You will join an integrated, well-funded team of three post-doctoral fellows who will use Protein Chemistry, Dynamic Force Spectroscopy and Cell Biology (already appointed) to achieve our project aims. You should have (or be close to completing) a PhD in structural molecular biology, biophysics, or a related discipline. Expertise in cryo-electron microscopy is essential. University Grade 7 (£30,424 - £36,298 p.a.) Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Sheena E Radford, email [email protected] or Dr Neil Ranson, email [email protected] Closing Date: 16 October 2013 Ref: FBSMB0020 Click here for further information about working at the University of Leeds www.leeds.ac.uk/info/20025/university_jobs Responsible to: Head of School of Molecular and Cellular Biology Reports to: Professor Sheena Radford and Dr Neil Ranson Main Duties and Responsibilities You will use a combination of electron microscopy (EM), electron tomography (ET) and super-resolution light microscopy to examine the structure of amyloid fibrils, and how those structures interact with biological membranes, organelles and intact cells. You will: Examine the structure of amyloid fibrils using cryo-EM Study the effect amyloid fibrils have on synthetic liposomes, including assessing the effects of bilayer composition using cryo-EM/ET Determine the structural effects of amyloid fibrils on different membranous components of the endosome/lysosome pathway using cryo-EM/ET Characterise the effect of amyloid fibrils on the trafficking of proteins and lipids in the endo-lysosomal system Characterise the effects of amyloid on mammalian cells using cryo-EM/ET and super-resolution light microscopy. Collaborate closely with all members of the research team and integrate your own results with those of others Prepare written summaries of your work and meet with the full team to discuss these reports on a monthly basis Attend group meetings and present your work to others Generate and pursue independent and original research ideas in relation to the project Design and conduct a programme of investigation together with the principal investigators Evaluate the methods and techniques used and interpret the results obtained in order to relate such evaluations appropriately to the project Communicate and present research results through publication or at meetings/conferences Understand the broader issues relating to the management of research Contribute to the supervision of less experienced researchers as appropriate Liaise with research colleagues and support staff in relation to the project Take part in knowledge transfer activities where appropriate Maintain your own continuing professional development and act as a mentor to less experienced colleagues, as appropriate Maintain a safe work environment, including ensuring compliance with legislation and the undertaking of risk assessments Undertake any other duties commensurate with the post and grade as directed by the Director of the School or nominee Specific Duties of the post Use and develop cryo-EM/ET and super-resolution light microscopy methods to analyse amyloid structure and interactions Combine the results of cryo-EM experiments with those from other methods obtained by the other three post-doctoral research assistants appointed to the programme Discover new insights into amyloid assembly and disassembly mechanisms Evaluate and apply new developments in electron and light microscopy assess their qualities for the project Keep informed of recent advances in the fields of amyloid structure and amyloid disease Career Expectations The University of Leeds is committed to developing its staff. All staff participate in the Staff Review and Development scheme and we continue to work with individuals, supporting them to maximise their potential. Progression to a higher grade is dependent on an individual taking on an increased level of responsibility. Vacancies that arise within the area or across the wider University are advertised on the HR website - http://jobs.leeds.ac.uk - to allow staff to apply for wider career development opportunities. University Values All staff are expected to operate in line with the university‟s values and standards, which work as an integral part of our strategy and set out the principles of how we work together. More information about the university‟s strategy and values is available at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/comms/strategy/. Person Specification Essential PhD in Structural Molecular Biology, Biophysics or a related discipline (or be close to completion) Skilled experimentalist Experience in cryo-electron microscopy Experience in the processing of EM data for 3D structure determination Use of software for image analysis and data management Previous experience of combining the results of different approaches across different disciplines to develop new insights into a field of study Highly motivated and hardworking Ability to absorb new ideas and to master new techniques rapidly and efficiently Good verbal and written communication skills A high standard of English and the ability to write high quality articles for publication Ability to design, execute and write up experimental work independently Good organisational and time management skills Ability to deal with and prioritise varied tasks to meet project deadlines Ability to work independent, but able work effectively as part of a team Commitment to own professional development Desirable BSc in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics or a related subject Experience in the imaging of cells using fluorescence microscopy Experience in biochemical techniques e.g. subcellular fractionation, analysis of protein expression in mammalian cells, analysis of enzyme activity Previous experience in the analysis of lipid trafficking Experience in DNA techniques, protein expression and purification Experience in proteomic analysis of cells Additional Information Details of the terms and conditions of employment for all staff at the University, including information on pensions and benefits, are available on the Human Resources web pages accessible at http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/ Disclosure and Barring Service Checks A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check is not required for this position. However, applicants who have unspent convictions must indicate this in the „other personal details‟ section of the application form and send details to the Recruitment Officer at [email protected]. Disabled Applicants The post is located in the Faculty of Biological Sciences. Disabled applicants wishing to review access to the building are invited to contact the department direct. Additional information may be sought from the Recruitment Officer, email [email protected] or tel + 44 (0)113 343 1723. Disabled applicants are not obliged to inform employers of their disability but will still be covered by the Equality Act once their disability becomes known. Further information for applicants with disabilities, impairments or health conditions is available in the applicant guidance. Further Information Background to the Programme and Composition of the Research Team This post is funded by an ERC Advanced Grant to Professor Sheena Radford, along with her collaborators Drs David Brockwell, Neil Ranson and Eric Hewitt and Professor Alison Ashcroft. These investigators are members of the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology and the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Leeds. The programme, named AMYTOX, will ultimately employ four PDRAs and aims to use and develop a suite of novel and cutting edge biophysical, biochemical and cell biological methods to provide a step change in our understanding of amyloid fibril structure, dynamics and cytotoxicity. These findings will provide information vital for our understanding of these dynamic complexes in human disease; how these self-assembling systems associate and dissociate; and how these fascinating materials can be used in nanotechnology. To achieve the goals of AMYTOX the principal investigator (Prof Sheena Radford) has