The Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) is a technology institute established by the UK Government as a unique centre committed to advancing tools that are needed to transform healthcare in the future.

Our teams are aligned across a number of technology and life science challenges as part of our strategic focus, with scientists, technologists and software engineers working together in a multi-disciplinary and collaborative environment at our state-of-the-art research facility at Harwell in Oxfordshire. For more information on the Franklins Challenges click here.

The Multidimensional Imaging (MDI) Challenge team, led by Professor Angus Kirkland, leads pioneering research in advancing electron ptychography, liquid phase electron microscopy, electron spectroscopy and diffraction underpinned by a strong fundamental theoretical platform.

We are currently looking for a Research Associate to support Dr Kim's Technicolour Intracellular Space - Potential Mapping Using 4D STEM project.

Role Overview Our team of physicists, engineers, biologists and mathematicians focus on electron microscopy theory, method and technology development, and the successful applicants work will establish a method to add new dimensionality to cryoEM data using specimen potential maps. You will develop methods to detect potential gradients in cryogenic specimens to better understand the mechanisms of interaction between membranes, lipids and nucleic acid. In particular, mitochondrial diseases, lysosomal storage disease, and viral infection pathways require the visualisation of inherently insulating components and their contact points with organelles.

Although the impact to life sciences will be great, a candidate in this role will spend most of their time on the electron microscopy method development. This will involve analysis of their electron ptychographic or 4D STEM data sets collected on biological specimens provided by collaborators.

As a Research Associate at the Franklin, you will bring the scientific knowledge and skills needed to deliver a specific research project within a team delivering a research program. Through this work, you will build scientific independence, develop new science and leadership skills, and establish a growing external reputation.

A team of scientists will support this activity enabling bids for future funding and career growth.

Applications are encouraged from candidates with experimental backgrounds in physics, material science, biophysics, structural biology or related disciplines with an interest and experience of advanced EM methods.

You will have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, including: a double aberration-corrected 300kV Cryo (S)TEM, two 300kV conventional Cryo TEMs, three Cryo Dual beam FIBs and a 300kV chromatically corrected TEM for fast in situ observations alongside advanced sample preparation and computational facilities . Projects Keywords Transmission Electron Microscopy, 4D STEM, Electron Ptychography, Structural Biology, Integrated Centre of Mass, CryoEM, Intracellular Interactions

Before submitting your application please ensure you read the Job Information Pack for full details of this role. This can be found at the bottom of the page. This job description set outs the skills and experience we believe are needed to be able to do this job but, research also tells us women are much more likely than men to take this list of requirements as absolute and self-select out of the process. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you did not tick.

Whilst the role requires candidates to hold a PhD/DPhil (or equivalent), we may consider candidates who have submitted their PhD/DPhil thesis, in which case the initial appointment will be made at £37,500 per annum (to be increased on completion of the PhD/DPhil qualification).

In Return We Offer

The Franklins underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it. For further information,

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every applicant has an equal opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities. This includes making adjustments for candidates with specific needs. Please contact us at to discuss your requirements confidentially.

At the Rosalind Franklin Institute we also welcome applications from all around the world!

To be considered for this role, please submit a CV and cover letter explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. Please include information about your education and work experience.

Closing date: Please note that applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled; therefore we reserve the right to close this vacancy as soon as we attract the right amount of suitable candidates. LNKD1_UKTJ