Senior Scientist in Electron Ptychography

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:

• Develop new scientific directions using our novel instrumentation leading the ptychography programme.
• Develop advanced phasing methods for the study of radiation-sensitive biological materials.
• Work with software and data engineers to develop the necessary software and data handling platforms for access to the unique functionalities of the instrumentation.
• Work alongside our technology partners and laboratory management to further develop our suite of instruments.
• Independently drive the delivery of scientific or technology focused projects in line with the Franklin scientific strategy and Challenges.
• Continue to develop expertise and knowledge around your own area of expertise aligned to the scientific Challenges and projects.
• Formulate relevant research questions, conduct individual independent research, generating and analysing detailed and quantitative data, and generate original ideas.
• Deliver project outputs (publications, data sets, patents etc.) in a timely manner. Regularly publish research articles in leading academic journals.
• Establish international networks and contribute to a community of scientists/technologists.
• 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.
• Sit on internal committees and help support the development and delivery of the science strategy.
• Build a positive, well respected and influential scientific/technical reputation including representation at relevant professional or academic bodies and committees.
• Look for funding opportunities to support our new technology opportunities, collaborations and partnerships and lead applications for external funding.
• Contribute to the wider organisation, representing the view of colleagues on committees and act as a role model for other scientists/technologists.
• Role model for the team science approach, encouraging collaboration across teams.
• Promote research quality and high ethical standards and provide a role model for inclusive behaviours in support of ED&I initiatives.
• Supervise multi-disciplinary teams including doctoral students and support the career development of other staff, including as necessary, recruitment, project development and mentorship.

Before submitting your application please ensure you read the Job Information Pack for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment at the bottom of this page.

The Rosalind Franklin Institute is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all. This job description set outs the skills and experience we believe are needed to be able to do this job but, research also tells us women are much more likely than men to take this list of requirements as absolute and self-select out of the process. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you did not tick.

In return we offer:

• 25 days holidays plus bank holidays and Christmas holiday shutdown
• Generous pension scheme (employer’s contribution currently up to 18%)
• Group Life Assurance (also known as Group Life Insurance or Death in Service)
• Hub building with state-of-the-art laboratories
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
• Bus pass discount scheme and good transport links to Oxford and surrounding areas
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to employee discount platform (Perkbox)
• Occupational Health and wellbeing support including Employee Assistance (24/7 support and counselling)
• Health Cash Plan
• Subsidised canteen and food outlets on campus
• Free on-site parking
• Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff

About us: The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a new national Research Centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology.

Location: The Franklin is based in Harwell Campus, UK’s innovation hub and well-established as one of the leading science and innovation campuses in Europe.

The Franklin’s underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it. For further information, view our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. 

At the Rosalind Franklin Institute we welcome applications from all around the world!

To be considered for this role, please submit a CV (to include full list of publications) and cover letter explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. Please include information about your education and work experience.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every applicant has an equal opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities. This includes making adjustments for candidates with specific needs. Please contact us at recruitment@rfi.ac.uk to discuss your requirements confidentially.

Closing date: Please be aware that applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled; therefore, we reserve the right to close this vacancy as soon as we attract the right number of applicants.

Applicants should refer to our Candidate Privacy Policy