Job Description
Birkbeck, University of London, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join a new, multidisciplinary research project focused on constructing a first complete atomic model and conducting large-scale Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations of the yeast KT-MT complex, on a full-time, 24 month contract this year. Joining the School of Natural Sciences, you will be involved in constructing a first complete atomic model and conducting large-scale Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations of the kinetochore-microtubule complex, supported by recent structural and in vivo work from Barford lab (MRC-LMB, Cambridge) and Tanaka lab (University of Dundee). You will elucidate the molecular mechanisms of tension-dependent stabilisation, phosphoregulation, and force transduction of kinetochore-microtubule attachments in mitotic cell division. This work presents unique opportunities to dissect the molecular and biomechanical basis of human diseases linked to chromosome mis-segregation. The research will integrate all-atom/coarse-grained MD and structure modelling and refinement with cryo-electron microscopy, optical trap experiments, and in vivo cross-linking assays. You will be a member of a new computational biophysics team working on understanding biological relationships between kinetochore structure, dynamics, and function led by Dr Maxim Igaev at Birkbeck, and will interact with other members of the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology (ISMB). The research programme also involves interactions with collaborators (Cambridge and Dundee) and international partners (Theoretical & Computational Biophysics Group, MPI for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Germany), and is funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Royal Society. This opportunity would build on PhD or postdoctoral research experience in theoretical/computational physics, molecular biophysics, computational biology, computational chemistry, computer science, or related areas. The successful role holder will have a PhD in these or a similar area. Contract: Fixed-term, 24 month contract - an additional 24 months is possible depending on the project performance. Further extensions are contingent on availability of additional funding, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to be trained to secure external funds. Full-time (35 hours a week) and site-based at Birkbeck's Bloomsbury campus, Monday to Friday. National and international travel will also be involved and flexible working arrangements can be discussed. Please submit a CV for consideration. Closing date: Tuesday 7 July, interview dates: 20/21 July 2026. Visa sponsorship available. Salary and benefits: £44,247 rising to £50,379 per annum, Grade 7 which includes a consolidated London Weighting Allowance. Benefits of working at Birkbeck: a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements, generous benefits in the HE sector, and being located in Euston, London. Enquiries: If you would like to know more about the role, please contact Dr Maxim Igaev, Royal Society Research Fellow at m.igaev@bbk.ac.uk. If you have technical issues or difficulties using the recruitment portal, please contact jobs@bbk.ac.uk providing your name and the job reference number of the position. While we are happy to respond to all informal enquiries, only formal applications through the online system will be considered. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding a bronze Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.
