Sheena Radford

Two postdoctoral positions are available in the field of amyloid biophysics, cell biology, and cryoEM/electron tomography at the University of Leeds. These roles are funded by a 6-year Wellcome grant and will be based in The Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology. The research will focus on the biophysical and cellular aspects of amyloid, as well as advanced structural techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy and electron tomography. The positions are supervised by Professor Sheena Radford and Dr. Neil Ranson, both leading experts in structural molecular biology. The Astbury Centre at the University of Leeds is renowned for its interdisciplinary research in biophysics and molecular biology, providing an excellent environment for postdoctoral researchers interested in amyloid research, protein structure, and advanced imaging techniques. The successful candidates will join a vibrant research community and have access to state-of-the-art facilities. Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant discipline such as biophysics, cell biology, or structural biology. Experience in amyloid research, cryoEM, or electron tomography is highly desirable. The positions are open to all qualified candidates, and the official adverts will be posted in mid January. Interested individuals are encouraged to monitor the University of Leeds and Astbury Centre websites for the application call and to share this opportunity with colleagues who may be interested. Funding for these positions is provided by Wellcome, ensuring a stable and well-supported research environment. For more information about the supervisors, see Professor Sheena Radford's LinkedIn profile .

A 4-year PhD studentship is available at the University of Leeds, funded at the standard UKRI stipend rate and supported by a Wellcome-funded research programme. The project, starting in October 2026, focuses on understanding and controlling amyloid fibril polymorphism, a key factor in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and type-2 diabetes. The studentship is jointly supervised by Prof Sheena Radford and Prof Neil Ranson in the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology. The research aims to unravel why proteins form amyloid fibrils and how this process leads to disease. Unlike the predictable folding of globular proteins, amyloid-forming proteins can assemble into multiple structures in vitro, but only a single, disease-specific structure is found in patients. The project will use a combination of biochemical and biophysical assays to map the pathways of protein aggregation and employ cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) to solve the structures formed during assembly. By integrating these data, the student will develop new models describing the molecular events underpinning amyloid assembly and investigate how solution conditions and cellular cofactors influence the selection of disease-specific amyloid structures. This research has the potential to accelerate diagnosis and enable patient-specific therapies for amyloid diseases. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team and gain experience in advanced techniques in biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology. Applicants should have a strong background in a relevant field such as biochemistry, biophysics, or molecular biology, and demonstrate enthusiasm for research and learning new methods. Experience with biochemical or biophysical assays, or structural biology, is desirable but not essential. Funding is fully provided for four years, covering both stipend and tuition fees. Interested candidates should contact Prof Sheena Radford ([email protected]) or Prof Neil Ranson ([email protected]) with a CV to express interest. The application window is open for an October 2026 start.

Two postdoctoral positions are available in the joint laboratory of Sheena Radford and Neil Ranson at the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds. The research focuses on 'Understanding Amyloidosis – From test tube to tissue,' with one position specializing in cryoEM/ET (structural biology) and the other in cell biology/biochemistry. The project aims to uncover the mechanisms of protein aggregation into amyloid, which is associated with diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Type 2 diabetes. The positions are funded as part of a 6-year Discovery Award programme by the Wellcome Trust, providing access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment. Successful candidates will join a dynamic and collaborative research team dedicated to advancing knowledge in protein misfolding and amyloid formation. Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant field such as structural biology, cell biology, or biochemistry, and have experience in either cryoEM/ET or cell biology/biochemistry, depending on the position applied for. A strong passion for research in protein aggregation and amyloid diseases is essential. The University of Leeds offers a supportive environment for postdoctoral researchers, with opportunities for professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply via the University of Leeds jobs website using the specific links for each position. The application deadline is March 8, 2026. For more information, refer to the official job postings or contact the supervisors via their academic or LinkedIn profiles.