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 Franklin’s 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 currently have a number of Research Associate vacancies to support this Challenge and its projects in the following areas:

• Advanced Methods and Algorithms Applied to Electron Ptychography of Biological Specimens (10380) 24m Fixed Term
• Advanced STEM/SEM Acquisition Methods to Study Beam Sensitive Biological Samples (10381) 24m Fixed Term
• Imaging Protein Dynamics Using Liquid Phase Electron Microscopy (10382) 36m Fixed Term
• Electron Diffraction-Based Mapping of Molecular Condensates (10383) 24m Fixed Term
• Nanoscale Electron Spectroscopic Mapping of Antibiotic Uptake and Resistance Mechanisms (10384) 24m Fixed Term

Projects Keywords: Inverse Problems, Computational Imaging, Electron Spectroscopy, Antimicrobial Resistance, Liquid Phase EM, 4D STEM

Applications are encouraged from candidates with backgrounds in physics, biophysics, biochemistry, applied mathematics 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 .

Whilst these roles are at a postdoctoral researcher level and require candidates to hold a PhD/DPhil (or equivalent), we may consider candidates who are close to completion of their PhD/DPhil qualification, in which case the initial appointment will be made at £37,500 per annum (to be increased on completion of the PhD/DPhil qualification).

Before submitting your application please ensure you read the Job Information Pack for full scope of the projects, related vacancies and to learn about our competitive benefits package. You may choose to apply for more than one role. Please stipulate your vacancy preference on the application form, in line with your skills and experience.

For informal enquiries, please contact recruitment@rfi.ac.uk .

If you are interested in working in a forward thinking, innovative organisation which is committed to creating an inclusive environment, we look forward to receiving your application. To be considered, please submit a CV and a cover letter explaining why you think you are the right person for this role, including details about your education and work experience.

We are dedicated to ensuring every applicant has an equal opportunity to demonstrate their talents, and we are happy to consider adjustments for candidates with specific needs. Please contact us at recruitment@rfi.ac.uk to discuss your requirements confidentially.

Closing date: The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 18th January 2026 . Interviews are planned for early February 2026.

Applicants should refer to our Candidate Privacy Policy

Area: Scientific

Location: Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire

Type of Post: Full Time (37.5 hrs per week)

Period of appointment: Fixed-Term Contracts (2 or 3 Years)

Salary: From £38,500 per annum (depending on skills and experience)

Closing Date: 18/01/2026

Ref No: 10379