PDRA: Electron and X-ray crystallography of protein nanocrystals

Based onsite - Harwell campus

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.

The Macromolecular Crystallography (MX) village at Diamond consists of seven operational beamlines covering a range of experiment types: high-throughput, microfocus, in situ, serial, and phasing experiments. For micro/nanofocus crystallography of challenging targets, the VMXm beamline was constructed to tackle crystals in the size range 1 – 10 µm, by utilising an in-vacuum sample environment to optimise the signal from microcrystals. The High-energy electron Xtallography Instrument (HeXI) is currently under construction to deliver a novel beamline for rapid, high-resolution electron diffraction of small molecule and macromolecular crystal (MX) samples less than 1 µm in size. The HeXI project is predominantly funded by the Wellcome as part of the major strategic collaboration between Diamond Light Source, The Rosalind Franklin Institute and the MRC-LMB to "electrify life sciences".

About the Role

We now have an opportunity within the MX group for a highly motivated PDRA to carry out their own innovative research in the development of new methods and their application to structure determination by electron and X-ray diffraction of protein nanocrystals. The post will work within the HeXI/VMXm teams to understand the complementarity between X-ray and electron diffraction data. The role will include sample preparation, data collection and analysis on the VMXm beamline and the Diamond suite of electron microscopes where novel techniques and applications of serial and precession diffraction will be investigated. As the first-of-a-kind HeXI instrument is constructed, the post will assist with commissioning the beamline and performing proof-of-concept electron diffraction experiments.

The successful applicant will benefit from Diamond’s outstanding expertise and experience with data collection and data processing within the MX group along with the extensive specific expertise in the collection and processing of electron diffraction data within the electron bio-imaging centre (eBIC) and DIALS groups. A broad range of world-class instrumentation will be available to the PDRA including the MX beamlines and the electron microscopes at eBIC.

There will also be the opportunity to play an active role in interacting and collaborating with the extensive MX, chemical crystallography, and rapidly expanding EM communities based at Harwell such as ePSIC, The Research Complex, and The Rosalind Franklin Institute.

Further responsibilities will include:

• Performing experiments, analysing data and publishing results.
• Supporting users in performing experiments, including data analysis and training.
• Assisting HeXI and VMXm staff with commissioning, instrument upgrades, development and testing of new equipment and software.
• Keeping up with latest results and research directions internationally.
• A flexible approach to working hours is required, along with occasional UK and overseas travel including some overnight stays.

About You

You should hold an appropriate science degree and a PhD in a scientific field with significant experience in protein preparation, crystallisation, data collection and analysis.. Previous specific knowledge or experience at postgraduate level in cryoEM and/or MX data collection and processing is highly desirable.

You will be an enthusiastic scientist with a demonstrable record of accomplishment in conducting high quality original research.

You will demonstrate excellent interpersonal, communication and presentational skills to interact with staff and facility users at all levels.

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 closing date for applications is 10thMarch 2024, however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.