Overview
Postdoctoral Research Associate – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
About us
The Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics is situated within the School of Basic & Biomedical Sciences (BMBS) and is part of the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine. It is involved in a wide range of fundamental research projects at the interface between biology, biomedicine, chemistry and physics.
The Prischi Lab, based in the Randall Centre, investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying protein–RNA interactions and their regulation. We combine structural, biophysical, cellular and computational approaches to understand how RNA-binding proteins recognise their partners and how these interactions are regulated to control cellular function, with particular relevance to human disease, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The lab is located at King’s College London, on the Guy’s and Denmark Hill campuses.
About the role
We seek a skilled Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in biological NMR spectroscopy, SAXS, recombinant protein production, and cell biology.
The post holder will work on an MND Association-funded project to map the interaction network of Annexin A11 and elucidate its role in neurodegeneration. The research aims to uncover how protein–RNA and protein–protein interactions are controlled at the molecular level, and how disease-associated mutations disrupt these interactions and promote the protein aggregation implicated in ALS.
The post holder will lead the protein NMR and SAXS characterisation, as well as the associated cell biology studies, providing complementary structural and cellular perspectives on the molecular mechanisms underlying disease. Training in the cell-based methodologies will be provided. The post holder will work in close collaboration with the Mizielinska lab at the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) at King’s College London and the Adinolfi lab at the University of Turin (Italy).
We seek a candidate passionate about molecular mechanisms of disease who wants to contribute to cutting-edge research.
This is a full-time onsite post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract of 36 months. Position to start no sooner than 1 November 2026.
Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.
About you
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
Essential criteria
- PhD in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, or related discipline
- Experience in Biological NMR and Structural Biology demonstrated by good research track record
- Familiarity with SAXS methods and data analysis
- Relevant experience with data collection, processing and data analysis for complex multidimensional NMR experiments.
- Extensive experience in recombinant protein expression and purification, including production of isotopically labelled samples for NMR.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Desirable criteria
- Excellent communication skills
- Experience with student supervision
- Expertise in biophysical methods for characterising protein interactions (e.g. MST, ITC).
- Experience in cell biology and molecular biology techniques (e.g. mammalian cell culture, transfection, western blotting)
- Knowledge of RNA-binding proteins and protein aggregation
Downloading a copy of our Job Description
Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.
* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
