[Expired] Research Fellow in Membrane Protein Biophysics, Leeds University, UK

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in membrane proteins or single enzyme biophysics? Do you want to further your career in one of the UKs leading research intensive Universities?

You are invited to join an interdisciplinary BBSRC-funded project to work on a project aiming to study the proton-pumping mechanism of mitochondrial complex I. Complex I (NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase) plays a crucial role in cellular bioenergetics. Complex I is a known source of radical oxygen species (ROS) and its malfunctions have important consequences for (human) health and aging. Structural information from both crystallography and electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) has been used to formulate several models on the proton-pumping mechanism of complex I, but none of them have been experimentally verified. We have recently developed a single-enzyme methodology for proton pumping enzymes and in this project you will use this methodology to study the proton-pumping mechanism of complex I.

This BBSRC-funded project is a collaboration between the University of Leeds and the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit in Cambridge. You will be based in a multidisciplinary biophysics research team supervised by Prof. Lars Jeuken and will work in collaboration with Prof. Judy Hirst and her team in Cambridge.

You should have, or be, close to completing a PhD in a relevant subject area (e.g. chemistry, biochemistry, physics). With a background in bioinorganic chemistry, single-enzyme biophysics or membrane proteins you should be able to work effectively both independently and within a multidisciplinary team.

The University of Leeds and the Faculty of Biological Sciences are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN (the national body that promotes gender equality in higher education), and the Faculty of Biological Sciences was reawarded a Bronze award in 2017.  We are proud to be an inclusive Faculty that values all staff, and are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. Our Athena SWAN webpage provides more information.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: Professor Lars Jeuken, Professor of Molecular Biophysics. Tel: +44 (0)113 343 3829, Email:

Location:  Leeds – Main Campus
Faculty/Service:  Faculty of Biological Sciences
School/Institute:  School of Biomedical Sciences
Category:  Research
Grade:  Grade 7
Salary:  £33,797 to £40,322 p.a.
Due to funding limitations it is unlikely an appointment will be made above £33,797.
Working Time:  37.5 hours per week
Post Type:  Full Time
Contract Type:  Fixed Term (11 months)
Release Date:  Saturday 10 October 2020
Closing Date:  Monday 02 November 2020
Interview Date:  To be confirmed
Reference:  FBSBM1145
Downloads:  Candidate Brief