Job Description

Applications are invited for two postdoctoral research associate positions in Dr. Angika Basant’s group at the Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London.

The Basant group, funded by a grant from the Wellcome Trust, seeks to understand how tyrosine phosphatases regulate cell signalling. This large family of enzymes has been highly understudied compared to its kinase counterpart. We investigate these phosphatases in the context of signalling to the actin cytoskeleton and in virus-infected cells.

Post 1 of 2: The researcher appointed to Post A will focus on candidate phosphatases that have been validated to regulate actin dynamics during infection with the poxvirus Vaccinia. How do these phosphatases function, what are their key interactors and how do they recognise substrates? The broader goal is to contextualise these findings in uninfected cells and, with the help of a collaborator, in other viral infections. For this role, experience in phosphatase biology, cell signalling or biochemistry is desirable but not mandatory.

Post 2 of 2: The researcher appointed to Post B will use quantitative microscopy techniques to elucidate how candidate phosphatases impact phosphotyrosine signalling dynamics and outputs. They will take advantage of, and further develop, a Vaccinia virus-based signalling platform, as well as cutting-edge molecule counting and optogenetics tools available in the lab. For this role, experience in phosphatase biology or cell signalling is desirable but not mandatory.

A PhD in a relevant discipline is required (or applicant to be near completion). A high-quality publication record and effective science communication skills are essential. International applicants are welcome.

Please reach out to Dr. Angika Basant ( angika.basant@kcl.ac.uk) for informal discussions on either posts.

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract until 30th April 2027.

This is a full-time post. We are looking for candidates to start no earlier than 1st May 2024.

Key responsibilities

• Independently manage and execute specific aspects of the research project (including literature reviews, data collection and analysis, report writing) to an agreed timeline
• Attend and present research findings at internal academic meetings and external professional conferences
• Contribute to publications arising from this research
• Facilitate collaboration and networking opportunities for the lab
• Be committed to your personal career development goals and work collaboratively with your PI to achieve these
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with other researchers working in the lab and with administrative teams for support
• Assist in laboratory management and training of other lab members

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria

1. PhD in a relevant discipline (or close to PhD award)
2. Strong track record in a key subject area such as cell signalling, cytoskeleton or similar
3. Excellent experimental skills and strong ability to lead project design and management
4. An enthusiasm for the research questions being addressed in the lab
5. Strong communication skills both in writing and for oral presentation
6. Collegiality and ability to work well in a research team
7. Ability to work independently, take initiative, learn new skills and troubleshoot technical problems
8. Good time management and organisational skills
9. Scientific rigor and integrity
10. Good practice in health and safety procedures
11. Experience in microscopy (Post B only)

Desirable criteria

1. Experience in supervision and teaching of other researchers
2. Knowledge of phosphatase biology and/or phosphotyrosine signaling
3.  Experience in biochemistry and/or proteomics (Post A only)

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.