Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cell membrane biophysics

Cholesterol has long been dismissed as little more than membrane scaffolding. This Wellcome Trust-funded Postdoctoral Research Associate post sets out to prove otherwise - revealing how cholesterol acts as allosteric modulator of GLP-1 receptor (GLP1R) signalling, and tracing what that means for one of the lung's most exposed tissues: the alveolar epithelium. Working within a world-leading, highly collaborative research group at Imperial College London, you will combine advanced single-molecule and fluorescence fluctuation microscopy with the development of a bespoke Alveolus-on-a-Chip - a breathing, physiologically faithful model built to host receptor biology in a setting far closer to its native context than a dish ever could.

Over this 24-month post, your findings will open a genuinely new route into understanding - and one day therapeutically targeting - GLP1R signalling in the lung.

In this role, you will lead investigations into how membrane cholesterol allosterically shapes GLP1R conformational dynamics and downstream signalling, using advanced microscopy, fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy (FCS/FCCS, RICS, N&B) and spectral-lifetime imaging (FLIM/phasor analysis).

You will design, fabricate and validate an Alveolus-on-a-Chip platform capable of sustaining physiologically representative alveolar epithelial cells under breathing-mimetic conditions, and integrate your molecular pharmacology findings with this organ-on-chip system to determine how cholesterol-dependent GLP1R signalling shapes epithelial responses at the tissue level.

Throughout, you will develop advanced analytical and bioengineering expertise, working in close collaboration with international partners across structural pharmacology, computational membrane biophysics and photonics.

We are looking for an ambitious and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a PhD in pharmacology, biophysics, cell biology, or bioengineering to join this collaborative project. While a full person specification is available in the job description, we are specifically looking for candidates who can demonstrate:

• Proven experience in membrane biophysics, receptor pharmacology, or GPCR signalling research.
• Technical proficiency in advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques, such as FCS/FCCS, FLIM, super-resolution/STED, or phasor analysis.
• Experience with epithelial cell culture and standard molecular and cell biology techniques.
• An appetite for organ-on-chip or microfluidic platform design, fabrication, or operation - prior hands-on experience is a plus but not essential.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret quantitative imaging and biophysical datasets.
• A collaborative and proactive mindset, with the ability to work across disciplinary boundaries and a commitment to preparing high-quality manuscripts for publication.
• The ambition to develop an independent research niche, demonstrating the drive to prepare for a future independent academic career.

By joining this project, you will benefit from a wealth of professional and scientific opportunities designed to launch your career as an independent investigator:

• A high-impact, multidisciplinary environment, working directly with Dr Jorge Bernardino de la Serna (Imperial College London) and collaborating with Prof. Alejandra Tomas (Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial) on the molecular pharmacology of GLP1R and related signalling.
• Access to cutting-edge technology, including advanced fluorescence fluctuation and spectral-lifetime microscopy platforms, and the opportunity to help build a bespoke Alveolus-on-a-Chip system from the ground up.
• Translational research impact, contributing to a project with real relevance for lung-directed therapeutics and metabolic-respiratory biology.
• Scientific recognition and dissemination. You will be responsible for reporting your findings in high-quality manuscripts and presenting your work at national and international conferences.
• A collaborative, international network spanning advanced microscopy, membrane biophysics and computational modelling across Europe and beyond.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year).
• Structured career development. This 24-month post is designed to help you develop independent research ideas and a distinctive scientific niche, preparing you for future academic…