The Rosalind Franklin Institute is inviting applications from creative and motivated scientists for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantitative Cell Biology/Biochemistry. This role will focus on molecular organization of cell interfaces in epithelial tissue and glycobiology using state-of-the-art super-resolution STED microscopy, CryoET, biophysics, and chemical biology.
Overview & Key Details
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher |
|---|---|
| Research Area | Quantitative Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Bioimaging |
| Host Institution | Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) |
| Location | Harwell Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom |
| Contract Type | Full-time, 2-Year Fixed-Term Contract |
| Salary | From £39,500 per annum (or £38,500 per annum for candidates who have submitted thesis pending viva/completion) |
| Application Deadline | 27th September 2026 (23:59 BST) |
Job Description
As a Postdoctoral Researcher working across the Pombo-Garcia and Wu labs, you will lead a scientific project aimed at developing tools for quantitative imaging of epithelial cell biology and biophysics. You will uncover how epithelial cells organize in space and time under different physico-chemical environments to drive self-organisation processes (such as condensates) that shape mesoscale structures enabling tissue function.
Key duties and responsibilities include:
- Leading a project focused on developing novel tools to visualise biomolecules (lipids, glycans, proteins) in cells and observe dynamic interface formation in epithelia.
- Supporting and developing novel bioimaging analysis workflows to quantify advanced imaging data (STED microscopy, FLIM, FRET, FCS, and CryoET).
- Planning, conducting, interpreting experiments, and generating complex data.
- Leading contributions to research outputs, including publications, patents, and presentations at national and international conferences.
- Assisting in research grant writing and contributing to the scientific life of the institute.
- Providing day-to-day supervision and support to students or visitors within the research group.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A PhD (or submitted thesis) in Cell Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
- Technical Skills: Demonstrated background and hands-on laboratory experience in advanced quantitative microscopy analysis, quantitative biology, biophysics, or in vitro reconstitution.
- Research Capabilities: Proven ability to formulate research questions, devise experimental strategies, and independently lead research tasks.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a track record or potential for publishing peer-reviewed research.
- Desirable Experience: Prior exposure to super-resolution imaging (STED), condensate biology, or Cryo-Electron Tomography (CryoET).
Benefits & Work Environment
- 25 days annual leave plus public holidays and a Christmas shutdown.
- Generous employer pension contribution (up to 18%).
- Life assurance and health cash plan.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and collaborative interdisciplinary research networks.
- Subsidised canteen, free on-site parking, and public transport discount schemes.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application online through the official Rosalind Franklin Institute recruitment portal. You will need to upload:
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A Cover Letter detailing your research background, key achievements, and suitability for the position.
For detailed inquiries regarding reasonable adjustments or application support, contact recruitment@rfi.ac.uk.
Last Date to Apply: 27th September 2026 (23:59 UK Time)
Click Here to Apply Online at the Rosalind Franklin Institute Portal
