Research Fellow in Microscopy of Pathogenic Bacteria

London Centre for Nanotechnology

Job Description

Research Fellow in Microscopy of Pathogenic Bacteria

Department: London Centre for Nanotechnology

Grade: 7

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at research assistant Grade 6B with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis

Location: Bloomsbury Campus, London (Hybrid)

Reports to

Bart Hoogenboom, Professor of Biophysics

Context

In our atomic force microscopy (AFM) laboratory, headed by Prof. Bart Hoogenboom, we have pioneered AFM methods and their application, from atomic-resolution imaging in liquid, via doublehelix resolution imaging of DNA and high-speed imaging of protein assembly on membranes, to more recently some of the highest resolution images ever of living bacteria. Based on this microscopy expertise, we have initiated various programmes aiming to understand fundamental barriers that protect bacteria against antibiotics. We have a highly diverse group where lab members’ various backgrounds and expertise complement each other to together do great science on topics of biomedical importance. This is further enhanced by tight, cross-disciplinary collaborations with multiple other labs with complementary expertise.

The London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN) is an interdisciplinary enterprise between University College London, King’s College London and Imperial College London. In bringing together world-class infrastructure and leading nanotechnology research activities, the Centre aims to attain the critical mass to compete with the best facilities abroad. The LCN has strong relationships with the broader nanotechnology and commercial communities. As the world’s only such facility to be located in the heart of a metropolis, the LCN has superb access to corporate, investment and industrial partners. It is at the forefront of training in nanotechnology, and has a strong media presence aimed at educating the public and bringing transparency to this emerging science.

Main purpose of the job

• The postholder will develop and apply atomic force microscopy (AFM), in conjunction with other methods, to identify the architecture of the outer membrane of pathogenic bacteria, to define the principles of its assembly and growth, and to discover how antibiotics (can) overcome the outer membrane to kill the bacteria.

• Embedded in a larger, Wellcome-Trust funded research programme with the University of Oxford and the Rosalind Franklin Institute, the postholder is expected to develop new, crossdisciplinary research in a tight collaboration between laboratories in London and Oxford.

Duties and responsibilities

• To deliver world class research that stands out by providing new biophysical, biological and biomedical insights into the architecture of the outer membrane of pathogenic bacteria.
• To develop atomic force microscopy methods and protocols for imaging pathogenic bacteria at molecular resolution, complemented by a range of other methods.
• To help conceiving experiments identifying how antibiotics exploit weaknesses in the outer membrane to target and kill bacteria.
• To communicate with, operate within and constructively interact with highly interdisciplinary research teams in London and Oxford.
• To contribute to the drafting and submission of papers to peer reviewed journals.
• To prepare progress reports on research for funding bodies as required.
• To contribute to the preparation and drafting of research bids and proposals.
• To contribute to the overall activities of the research team and department as required.
• To contribute to the induction and direction of other research staff and students as requested.
• To be responsible for ensuring that equipment is safe and maintained in working order.

General

• Follow and actively promote the UCL Ways of Working.
• Contribute to Institutional citizenship activities by undertaking voluntary roles such as fire marshal or first aider; sit on committees; assist with student open days; contribute to EDI initiatives; or any other voluntary contribution to the department or across UCL.
• Carry out any other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager.
• This job description may be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder.
• If applicable: UCL offers hybrid working where appropriate and the successful applicant may normally work remotely for up to 40% of the week if they wish.

Person Specification

Note to job applicant: copy and paste the following criteria into your “Statement in support of your application” and describe underneath each criteria how you meet it, giving examples. You will be scored on how you meet each criteria.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications, experience and knowledge

A PhD in Life or Physical Sciences.

A Experience in carrying out internationally outstanding microscopy research, as demonstrated by a scientific publication track record in highly regarded international journals.

Experience in advanced microscopy techniques.

Expertise on in-liquid atomic force microcopy or aptitude to rapidly develop such expertise.

Skills and abilities

Demonstrated ability for creative and original research of the highest impact. Ability to multi-task and organise own work with minimal supervision to meet deadlines.

Ability to maintain a clear and up-to-date lab notebook and deliver written reports to the supervisory team and to the funding body.

Excellent verbal communication skills and ability to relate appropriately to others and to work as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Ability to communicate results effectively at meetings and conferences.

Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly to a level consistent with publication in highly regarded international journals.

UCL Ways of Working

Commitment to and experience with collegiate and collaborative ways of doing research.

Commitment to upholding high standards of research integrity Desirable Criteria In-depth experience with atomic force microscopy on bacteria and/or on biological membranes Commitment to and knowledge of advancing equality, diversity and inclusion