Job Description

Salary for this Role:
From 45,700 per annum with benefits, (subject to skills and experience)
Job Title: Senior Structural Biochemist - Visual Biochemistry lab, AZ-Crick-Alliance
Reports to: Radoslav Enchev
Closing Date: 14/Sept/2025 23.59 GMT
:
Senior Structural Biochemist - Visual Biochemistry lab, AZ-Crick-Alliance
Reporting to: Radoslav I. Enchev, Group Leader
Contract term: This is a full-time, fixed term (3 year) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
About us
The Francis Crick Institute is Europe's largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.
The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We've removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.
About the role
AstraZeneca and the Francis Crick Institute have established a productive research collaboration, supporting discovery biology research and early translational projects since December 2016. This has brought together the combined knowledge and capability of Crick and AZ scientists to work on areas of technology development, mechanistic understanding and novel target validation.
The Cryo-EM team within AstraZeneca's Discovery Sciences has extensive expertise in the application of the technique in the design of novel therapeutics across multiple modalities and therapeutic areas. In addition, we have a strong interest in the application of emerging technologies within the technique to inform drug discovery on difficult-to-drug targets. A strong technical interest of the Enchev lab, at the Crick, complimentary and synergistic to the above biological and drug discovery interests, is to enable new avenues of studying biochemical process through the development and application of methods that allow the direct observation of biochemical processes at atomic spatial- and milliseconds time-resolution by combining microfluidics, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and single particle analysis aided by machine learning.
This project aims to define the structural basis for the molecular mechanism Pol?Helicase-orchestrated MMEJ initiation by capturing dynamic snapshots of its RPA-displacing and microhomology annealing activities by time-resolved cryo-EM (Maeots et al. 2020 and 2025). These proof-of-concept studies, if successful, would not only greatly advance basic biologic understanding but also highlight the importance of understanding structural dynamics for drug discovery.
We are now looking for a Senior Structural Biochemist to join the team at the Crick.
Within this role you will be expected to creatively lead on your own project, whilst also contributing to the wider team ongoing projects. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a truly multi-disciplinary research programme, which will train the next-generation of scientific leaders, equipped to succeed both in academia and in industry. You will work with highly experienced colleagues and collaborators in an institute that values discovery without boundaries.
What you will be doing
As a Senior Structural Biochemist at the Crick, you will:
The key responsibility of this role is to perform biochemical reconstitutions and structural studies relating to the project. Some of the specific aims include but are not limited to:

• In vitro biochemical binding and activity assays of relevant POLQ constructs and substrates
• Structural studies of above complexes by conventional cryo-EM and single particle analysis
• Application of trEM workflows to the above and related complexes

Additional responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Undertaking own research project, designing, and executing experiments /with strategic direction from the group leader.
• Literature review and keeping current with relevant publications in the field
• Experimental design, execution and interpretation
• Participating in academic activities, including group and collaborator meetings and journal clubs, seminars, and scientific meetings.
• Regular data documentation and writing up findings for publication /and completing revisions.

About you
You will have:

• A PhD (or equivalent experience) in biochemistry, structural biology or related field.
• Track record of research experience in molecular mechanism of helicases and/or DNA damage and repair pathways.
• Practical experience with in vitro protein biochemistry.
• Strong practical and theoretical knowledge of cryo-EM, single particle analysis and model building.
• Track record of ability to plan, design and execute independent biochemical and structural biology research
• Track record of researching and writing academic grant applications and papers as evidenced for instance by publications or submitted manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals

About Working at the Crick
Our values
Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick's mission and shaping our culture!

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We're not afraid to do things differently.

• We are open. We're highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.

• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email:
What will you receive?
At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:

• Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK

• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.

• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.

• Health & Well-being:

• 24/7 GP consultation services.

• Occupational health services and mental health support programs.

• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.

• Work-Life Balance:

• Back-up care for dependents.

• Childcare support allowance.

• Annual leave purchase options.
• Crick Networks offering diverse groups' support, community and inclusive social events.

• Perks:

• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.

• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.
We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.

Skills Required