The Role
The Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) is a UK technology institute for life sciences, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). We work across disciplines, combining imaging tools with chemical and biological platforms to see life in new ways.
As a Senior Scientist at the Franklin, you will lead a major independent research programme, bringing a track record of productivity, expertise and experience and a growing international reputation in a relevant area of research/technology. You will have the ability to maintain strong external collaborations that enhance the science of the Franklin. This role, as part of the senior scientific team, will ensure that the Franklin is internationally leading and has a sustainable financial model. The role will also support the development of a collegial, open culture, research integrity and ethical practice. You will also mentor the development of junior staff as required, supervise students and support aspect(s) of management of the Institute.
Within Multidimensional Imaging, a major focus is in developing electron Ptychography and related phasing methods under low fluence conditions with applications to the characterisation of biological materials at high spatial resolution. The development of new imaging modes will also require new acquisition and computational processing techniques, and you will work closely with the theory and algorithmics project group. Ultimately, we aim to expand these techniques into time resolved studies to explore the dynamics of biological systems.
We are equipped with a double aberration corrected 300kV Cryo (S)TEM, a further 300kV conventional Cryo TEM and a cryo Dual beam FIB. In mid-2025 we will install a 300kV chromatically corrected instrument. To support these, we have a range of cryo and liquid cell sample holders and extensive sample preparation facilities. These instruments have novel optical configurations with various novel detectors and fluence controlling deflectors and programmable scanning systems.
The post holder will report to Professor Angus Kirkland, Science Director and to Dr Judy Kim, Deputy Challenge Lead and will form part of the leadership team within the Multidimensional Imaging Challenge area.
Key Responsibilities
In this senior role as project lead in Ptychography you will coordinate a team of scientists, Post Doctoral Researchers and PhD students working on the development of new methods in electron Ptychography and related phasing methods and the application of these to a range of important biological questions arising from other groups at the Franklin.
Specifically, you will:
1. Develop new scientific directions using our novel instrumentation leading the ptychography programme.
2. Develop advanced phasing methods for the study of radiation-sensitive biological materials.
3. Work with software and data engineers to develop the necessary software and data handling platforms for access to the unique functionalities of the instrumentation.
4. Work alongside our technology partners and laboratory management to further develop our suite of instruments.
5. Independently drive the delivery of scientific or technology focused projects in line with the Franklin scientific strategy and Challenges.
6. Continue to develop expertise and knowledge around your own area of expertise aligned to the scientific Challenges and projects.
7. Formulate relevant research questions, conduct individual independent research, generating and analysing detailed and quantitative data, and generate original ideas.
8. Deliver project outputs (publications, data sets, patents etc.) in a timely manner. Regularly publish research articles in leading academic journals.
9. Establish international networks and contribute to a community of scientists/technologists.
10. Represent the Franklin and present findings at national and international meetings/conferences and external networking events, promoting your research and the wider work of the Institute.
11. Sit on internal committees and help support the development and delivery of the science strategy.
12. Build a positive, well respected and influential scientific/technical reputation including representation at relevant professional or academic bodies and committees.
13. Look for funding opportunities to support our new technology opportunities, collaborations and partnerships and lead applications for external funding.
14. Contribute to the wider organisation, representing the view of colleagues on committees and act as a role model for other scientists/technologists.
15. Role model for the team science approach, encouraging collaboration across teams.
16. Promote research quality and high ethical standards and provide a role model for inclusive behaviours in support of ED&I initiatives.
17. Supervise multi-disciplinary teams including doctoral students and support the career development of other staff, including as necessary, recruitment, project development and mentorship.