Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Researcher

Salary range: £44,247 rising to £50,379 per annum.

Contract type:
Fixed term.

Mode:
Full-time.

Grade: 7.

Business Unit:
School of Natural Sciences.

Closing date for applicants: 07-Jul-2026.

: 2417.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join a new multidisciplinary research project on a full-time 24 month contract.

You will be involved in constructing the first complete atomic model and conducting large-scale Molecular Dynamics simulations of the yeast kinetochore-microtubule complex, supported by recent structural and in vivo work from the Barford lab (MRC-LMB, Cambridge) and the 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.

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

The research integrates all-atom/coarse-grained MD and structure modelling and refinement with cryo-electron microscopy, optical trap experiments, and in vivo cross-linking assays.

You will be a member of a new computational biophysics team focusing on understanding biological relationships between kinetochore structure, dynamics, and function, led by Dr Maxim Igaev at Birkbeck, and will interact with other members of the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology (ISMB).

The research programme also involves interactions with collaborators in Cambridge and Dundee and international partners (Theoretical & Computational Biophysics Group, MPI for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Germany) and is funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Royal Society.

Closing date:
Tuesday 7 July (2026). Interview dates: 20/21 July 2026. Visa sponsorship available.

PhD in theoretical/computational physics, molecular biophysics, computational biology, computational chemistry, computer science, or a related area.

Postdoctoral or relevant research experience in these or similar disciplines.

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

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

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

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

To find out more about the role, contact Dr Maxim Igaev, Royal Society Research Fellow,

For technical issues or recruitment portal difficulties, contact  providing your name and job reference number. Only formal applications through the online system will be considered.

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.

Please submit a CV for consideration.