Postdoctoral Researcher

Overview

Birkbeck, University of London, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join a new, multidisciplinary research project focused on constructing a first complete atomic model and conducting large-scale Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations of the yeast kinetochore-microtubule complex on a full-time, 24‑month contract.

You will be involved in constructing the model and conducting MD simulations of the kinetochore‑microtubule complex, supported by recent structural and in vivo work from the Barford lab (MRC‑LMB, Cambridge) and Tanaka lab (University of Dundee).

You will elucidate the molecular mechanisms of tension‑dependent stabilisation, phosphoregulation, and force transduction of kinetochore‑microtubule attachments in mitotic cell division, and will integrate all‑atom/coarse‑grained MD, structure modelling and refinement with cryo‑electron microscopy, optical trap experiments, and in vivo cross‑linking assays.

This work presents unique opportunities to dissect the molecular and biomechanical basis of human diseases linked to chromosome mis‑segregation.

You will be a member of a new computational biophysics team led by Dr Maxim Igaev at Birkbeck, and will interact with other members of the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology.

The research programme involves interactions with collaborators in Cambridge and Dundee and international partners in Germany, and is funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Royal Society.

Applicants should have a PhD in theoretical/computational physics, molecular biophysics, computational biology, computational chemistry, computer science, or related areas.

Fixed‑term, 24‑month contract – an additional 24 months is possible depending on project performance. Further extensions are contingent on availability of additional funding.

Full‑time (35 hours a week), site‑based at Birkbeck’s Bloomsbury campus, Monday to Friday. National and international travel will also be involved. Flexible working arrangements can be discussed.

£44,247 rising to £50,379 per annum, Grade 7, which includes a consolidated London Weighting Allowance.

Benefits include a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements, generous benefits in the HE sector, and a location in Euston, London.

We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding a bronze Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.