Research Fellow in Experimental Biophysics of Light Harvesting Proteins (EPSPA1010)

Are you an experienced and ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have expertise in using advanced fluorescence analysis techniques to study membrane proteins and lipids? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research intensive Universities?

You will be the lead research fellow undertaking a new EPSRC-funded project which aims to study the photophysical properties of "light-harvesting" proteins. These LH proteins from green plants are critical for photosynthesis. You will work with Dr Peter Adams and collaborator Prof Stephen Evans on this ambitious research programme. In this project, you will manipulate models of biomembranes by applying external electric fields to control protein migration, a novel form of nanotechnology never-before used in photosynthesis research. You will then characterize the nanoscale organization and optical properties of these LH proteins using a specialized microscope which combines fluorescence spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. This will provide insight into the physical basis of photosynthetic processes which are crucial for life on Earth but poorly understood.

Enthusiastic and motivated, you will have (or will soon complete) a relevant PhD in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Physics, or a related discipline. You will have significant experience in fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy of biological samples, ideally including fluorescent membrane proteins and lipid bilayers. You will be an excellent communicator, experienced at writing high impact papers and conference presentations. Familiarity or experience with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and/ or atomic force microscopy (AFM) will be beneficial. Familiarity or experience of "light-harvesting" proteins or photosynthesis will be beneficial.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Dr Peter Adams, University Academic Fellow

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 9718 or email: P.G.Adams@leeds.ac.uk

Further information

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Closing Date: 17 May 2020
Category: Research