Ref Number
B02-10641
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
£43,981-£52,586
Contract Type
Fixed-term
Working Type
On site
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
08-Jun-2026
The Department of Structural and Molecular Biology (SMB) at University College London (UCL) is a leading centre for research in biochemistry, biotechnology, and molecular medicine, from atomic to organismal scales. Our researchers address fundamental questions in biology and medicine, integrating structural, molecular, and computational approaches to advance understanding of cellular function and human health. SMB collaborates widely within UCL, nationally, and internationally, including through the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology (ISMB) with Birkbeck College.
The Department of Structural and Molecular Biology (SMB) is part of UCL’s Division of Biosciences, one of the world's foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences, with over 500 staff and more than 300 PhD students engaged in cutting-edge research and collaboration. We provide a dynamic and supportive environment for staff and students, offering world-class training through undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes, as well as postdoctoral fellowships.
The lab combines structural and cellular approaches, using cryo-electron tomography to understand how toxic protein aggregates drive neurodegeneration and to identify strategies that restore cellular health, in a collaborative and innovative team environment. Researchers have access to state-of-the-art facilities at the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology (ISMB).
Further information can be found on our website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/life-sciences/smb, https://www.ismb.lon.ac.uk/our-facilities/
The purpose of this Postdoctoral Research Fellow position is to structurally characterize Protein Quality Control Pathways including autophagy and proteasome degradation, crucial for clearing misfolded proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases.
The role will leverage cutting-edge structural and cellular methods, specifically cryo-Electron Tomography (cryo-ET), to resolve the architecture, both in vitro at atomic resolution and in situ within the native cellular environment.
- Research Fellows - 'Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary £38,357 - £41,005 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.'
- This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-stafffor more information.
- This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Academic Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies/2021/jun/conditions-service-academic-stafffor more information.
If you have any queries about the role, please contact Dr. Dorothy Zhao at [email protected]
If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Administrator.
- To undertake experimental and computational work, under the supervision of Dr. Zhao.
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, or a related field (required).
- Experienced in molecular cloning, protein expression, and purification for structural studies (required).
- Prior experience with cryo-EM, cryo-ET data acquisition and processing, and cryo-FIB/SEM sample preparation (desired).
- Prior experience with structure modelling or structural mass spectrometry (desired).
- To maintain accurate records of data analysis protocols from raw data to completed analysis results.
- To attend research team meetings.
- To prepare reports and presentations of laboratory work for seminars, manuscripts for publication, public engagement initiatives and funding bodies.
- To contribute to the induction and direction of other research staff and students as requested. It is expected that the post holder will support other members of the Division and collaborators in their research roles in addition to developing their own project.
- To contribute to the overall activities of the research team and department as required, including teaching and supervision of undergraduate or post-graduate students.
- To actively follow UCL policies on Health and Safety, Race Equality, Equal Opportunities, Research Governance and Research Ethics.
The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies-advice/ways-working to find out more.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
Immigration loan
Relocation scheme for certain posts
On-Site nursery
On-site gym
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.
These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Our division holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
