Research Associate in Structural Cell Biology; Rosalind Franklin Institute Lab- Harwell

13th October 2026

The Grange group is developing tools that can image the 3-dimensional organisation of macromolecular complexes within brain tissues. This utilises fast vitrification of surgical biopsies and in-situ structural biology methods (cryo-focused ion beam milling, cryo lift out, electron tomography). We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral research associate who will be able to develop methods to investigate content-rich data taken from human tissue resections and reconstruct the molecular make-up of supramolecular complexes utilising quantitative approaches.

The project will focus on cytoskeletal and mitochondrial changes during aging and disease.

As part of this post, you will drive a project aimed at the computational reconstruction of macromolecular structures from in-situ data, pushing integration of workflows to enable the molecular sociology of cytoskeletal and mitochondrial processes to be examined in the context of aging and neurodegeneration. As part of the team, you will work with partners at Imperial, University College London and the University of Oxford to coordinate the procurement of specimens, work towards the acquisition of high-quality cryo-electron tomography data and develop structure determination pipelines capable of delivering a comprehensive overview of macromolecular organisation and diversity.

As a Research Associate at the Franklin, you will bring scientific knowledge and skills to deliver a specific research project and/or you will bring independent, creative science, or specific skills to a team delivering a project or program. Through this work, you will build scientific independence, develop new science and leadership skills, and establish a growing reputation externally. You will also:

• Develop and streamline computational approaches to in-situ structure determination methods from tissue sources that enable an assessment of macromolecular diversity.
• Demonstrate leadership as part of a team working with clinicians to prepare tissues for cryo-electron tomography.
• Plan and conduct experiments, analyse and interpret results and supervised delivery of outputs (e.g. research reports, patent applications) in a scientific/technology area of interest.
• Work within a project team, contributing to wider projects around key Franklin’s Challenges.
• Lead major contributions to research outputs including papers, patents and both internal and external presentations.
• Support and develop others including day‑to‑day supervision of students or visitors in areas related to your own research.
• Have supervised, staged progression to first stages of scientific independence with opportunities to further develop science and skills/experience.
• Enhance your research through collaboration with other researchers and make active contributions to exchange of ideas through your own network.
• Be able to understand, interpret, create and communicate appropriately within a research context.
• Develop search and discovery skills and techniques.
• Be supervised by a Scientist/Senior Scientist in delivery of research outputs, either in the context of a project or Franklin’s Challenge or as an early career development fellow.

Before submitting your application please ensure you read the Job Information Pack for full details of this role on our website.

This job description sets out 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…