Research Fellow in Membrane Biophysics

at  University of Warwick

Location
University of Warwick Campus, Coventry
Department
Warwick Medical School - Biomedical Sciences
Position Type
Fixed Term
Duration
Fixed-term contract for 3 years.
Salary
£34,866 to £45,163 per annum
About the Role

FOR INFORMAL QUERIES, PLEASE EMAIL PROFESSOR SATYAJIT MAYOR (PROFESSOR) AT SATYAJIT.MAYOR@WARWICK.AC.UK.

You will join the laboratory of Professor Satyajit Mayor in the Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences Directorate at Warwick Medical School and work collaboratively with Madan Rao (National Centre for Biological Science, Bangalore India) to study the crosstalk between proteins and membrane lipid organisation using interdisciplinary approaches.
The Mayor laboratory is one of the leading laboratories, working on understanding basic cellular mechanisms that govern chemical, biophysical and mechanical properties of the cell membrane. Madan Rao has pioneered theoretical approaches in non-equilibrium soft matter physics that have a bearing on understanding a living cell membrane cell membrane. These laboratories study the crosstalk of proteins and lipids in health and disease, using interdisciplinary approaches at the cross-roads of cell biology, biochemistry, synthetic biology, imaging and biophysics and theory.
About You
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with an honours degree (or equivalent) and a PhD in Soft Matter Physics or a related field.
Applicants should have hands-on experience in experimental biology, particularly in developing and working with in vitro supported lipid bilayer systems, as well as expertise in membrane biophysics, hydrodynamics, active matter, and polymer physics. Proficiency in coding and experience with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation packages are essential.
The candidate must also have a strong scientific interest, evidence of published research on membrane dynamics and experimental biophysics, and excellent leadership and documentation skills to lead and integrate multiple aspects of the project effectively. A self-driven approach and the ability to work independently while contributing to collaborative efforts are key qualities for this role.
Sufficient breadth and depth of specialist knowledge in as well as expertise in membrane biophysics, hydrodynamics, active matter, and polymer physics.
Proficiency in coding and experience with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation packages are essential.
If you are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD but have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 of the University grade structure. Upon receipt of evidence of the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of level 6 of the University grade structure.
About the Department
We offer an outstanding interdisciplinary environment for discovery science in one of the best universities in the UK.
The Centre of Mechanochemical Cell Biology at the University of Warwick seeks to understand the principles of cellular self-organisation with a focus on the role of mechanics in processes that enable cell duplication, movement, repair and membrane organisation.
The centre is home to 20 principal investigators with backgrounds in cell biology, computer science and physics. It is housed in the Mechanochemical Cell Biology building with state-of-the art imaging facilities.
The post holder will also join Warwick Biomedical Sciences (BMS). Areas of research excellence in BMS focus on quantitative molecular, cell and developmental biology, host-pathogen interactions and human reproduction. Collaborations with the Madan Rao’s group at NCBS-TIFR, Bangalore provides unparalleled opportunity to be exposed to the application of active matter physics to biological questions.
About the University
Born in the 60s with a mindset of boldness, imagination and collaboration, the University of Warwick is a world-leading research-intensive university with the highest academic and research standards. We’re one of the world’s top universities, ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK, with 92% of our research assessed to be ‘world leading or internationally excellent’*.

You’ll be joining a diverse, innovative and globally connected community committed to igniting real world progress. Here at Warwick, we offer you opportunities to follow your ambitions as long as you bring the energy and determination to succeed.

• QS World University Rankings 2024

** Research Excellence Framework 2021
How to Apply

Please refer the Job description for details