Postdoc Research Associate: ALS Protein Interactions

King’s College London seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to map the interaction network of Annexin A11 and uncover how disease-associated mutations drive protein aggregation in ALS.

About us:

The Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics is situated within the School of Basic & Biomedical Sciences (BMBS) and is part of the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine. It is involved in a wide range of fundamental research projects at the interface between biology, biomedicine, chemistry and physics.

The Prischi Lab, based in the Randall Centre, investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying protein–RNA interactions and their regulation. We combine structural, biophysical, cellular and computational approaches to understand how RNA-binding proteins recognise their partners and how these interactions are regulated to control cellular function, with particular relevance to human disease, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The lab is located at King’s College London, on the Guy’s and Denmark Hill campuses.

We seek a skilled Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in biological NMR spectroscopy, SAXS, recombinant protein production, and cell biology.

The post holder will work on an MND Association-funded project to map the interaction network of Annexin A11 and elucidate its role in neurodegeneration. The research aims to uncover how protein–RNA and protein–protein interactions are controlled at the molecular level, and how disease-associated mutations disrupt these interactions and promote the protein aggregation implicated in ALS.

The post holder will lead the protein NMR and SAXS characterisation, as well as the associated cell biology studies, providing complementary structural and cellular perspectives on the molecular mechanisms underlying disease. Training in the cell-based methodologies will be provided. The post holder will work in close collaboration with the Mizielinska lab at the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) at King’s College London and the Adinolfi lab at the University of Turin (Italy).

We seek a candidate passionate about molecular mechanisms of disease who wants to contribute to cutting-edge research.

This is a full-time onsite post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed-term contract of 36 months. Position to start no sooner than 1 November 2026.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About you:

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, or related discipline
2. Experience in Biological NMR and Structural Biology demonstrated by good research track record
3. Familiarity with SAXS methods and data analysis
4. Relevant experience with data collection, processing and data analysis for complex multidimensional NMR experiments.
5. Extensive experience in recombinant protein expression and purification, including production of isotopically labelled samples for NMR.
6. Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Desirable criteria

1. Excellent communication skills
2. Experience with student supervision
3. Expertise in biophysical methods for characterising protein interactions (e.g. MST, ITC).
4. Experience in cell biology and molecular biology techniques (e.g. mammalian cell culture, transfection, western blotting)
5. Knowledge of RNA-binding proteins and protein aggregation

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.