Department of Biological Sciences

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Structural Biology/Crystallography
Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology
Full time, fixed-term appointment for up to 3 years (ref 10583)

We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Assistant to undertake structural analysis of the mechanism of action and inhibition of the kinesin-8 mitotic motor in the research team lead by Dr Carolyn Moores.

The project involves using cryo-electron microscopy to elucidate the nucleotide-dependent interaction of microtubule binding by this molecular motor protein. It will involve structure determination by cryo-electron microscopy and image processing of the motor-microtubule complex in the presence and absence of a specific inhibitor, as well as biochemical manipulation of the motor-microtubule interaction.

The project is funded by CRUK and involves collaboration with several international groups. The appointee will be a member of a team working on various aspects of cytoskeleton dynamics and will also interact with members of the Birkbeck Electron Microscopy group http://people.cryst.bbk.ac.uk/~ubcg16z/empage.html.

Applicants should have a PhD in Structural Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry or a related area, and have relevant research publications.

Salary: Grade 7. Starting salary of £33,804 (inclusive of London Allowance of £2,934 per annum), followed by annual increments to £38,722 per annum.

This job is a full-time position, fixed-term for three years. The initial salary award will be dependent on the skills and experience of the successful applicant. The appointment may be subject to a probationary period of six months. Birkbeck also provides a generous final salary pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements and other great benefits.

The closing date for completed applications is Friday 2 September 2011.Interviews are due to be held Wednesday 21 September 2011.

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Carolyn Moores, Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX (e-mail: c.moores@mail.cryst.bbk.ac.uk)

Applications can be made on our jobs website http://jobs.bbk.ac.uk

Birkbeck is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all candidates irrespective of gender, ethnicity, age, disability, religious belief and sexual orientation.