Applications are sought for a committed Research Fellow to work with Dr Paolo Annibale, at the School of Physics and Astronomy, conducting research for a Leverhulme Trust funded project entitled Bottom up nanoscale control of compartmentalized cellular signaling: geometry and finesse.   

The primary duties will be to support the team working on fundamental biophysics and cell biology questions using innovative fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy approaches. The focus of the project will be to establish an optomechanical platform to control the local geometry of living cells, in order to observe in a controlled environment the effect of modulating geometry on key signalling cascades used by human cells to respond to extracellular stimuli.  

To this purpose, we will employ advanced fluorescence microscopy approaches, including super-resolution imaging, fluorescence resonance energy transfer and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.  

The successful applicant will be expected to lead the optics and microscopy axis of the project, establishing a custom-made confocal microscope, and allowing its combination to force spectroscopy tools such as optical tweezers or an Atomic Force Microscope.  The successful applicant will have to interface with a highly interdisciplinary team, and will have the opportunity (and challenge) of becoming familiar with methods outwit the strict remit of the physical sciences.  

The successful applicant will have (or be near to completion of) a PhD in Physics/Engineering/Biomedical Engineering with expertise in construction of advanced optical systems and instrument control by software (such as Python or National Instruments Labview). Expertise in fluorescence microscopy, either confocal imaging, single particle tracking or fluorescence correlation spectroscopy will be advantageous. Ability to work successfully in a small team, supervising postgraduate students and willingness to learn new methods will be amongst key characteristics sought in the successful applicant.  

The post is available for 24 months starting 1st May 23 or as soon as possible thereafter, with the possibility of extension upon satisfactory performance, for up to a total of 54 months.  

Further details of the project can be obtained by contacting Dr Paolo Annibale (pa53@st-andrews.ac.uk).     

Applications are particularly welcome from women, people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in research posts at the University.    

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience.  We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter, Race Charters and Stonewall). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network.  Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/

Interviews will be held on 15 March 2023

Please quote ref: AR2779MR

Closing Date: 28 February 2023

Further Particulars: AR2779MR FPs.doc

School of Physics & Astronomy

Salary: £35,333 - £38,592 per annum

Fixed Term: 24 months

Start: 1 May 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter