Dr Joshua Jenkins

Profile

I am a Research Fellow in Structural Neuroscience and Cryo-Electron Tomography at the University of Leeds, working in the Frank lab. My research focuses on developing and applying correlative light and electron microscopy workflows to investigate protein structure and molecular organisation in cells and tissues, with a particular interest in using advanced imaging approaches to understand biological structure and function across multiple scales.

I am particularly interested in understanding the molecular architecture underlying Alzheimer's disease and neurodegeneration. By combining cryo-electron tomography with complementary imaging approaches, my work aims to visualise biological structures in their native cellular and tissue environments, providing insight into how molecular organisation contributes to physiological function and disease.

Previously, I was a postdoctoral researcher in the Stryndaka lab at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, where I investigated the structure, function and regulation of bacterial secretion systems using cryo-electron microscopy.

I completed my PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Bristol, where I developed electron tomography and volume electron microscopy approaches to directly visualise bacteria–surface interactions. My doctoral research focused on bioinspired antimicrobial nanostructured surfaces and their potential applications in biomedical implants.

Qualifications

• BSc Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Bristol
• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, The University of Bristol (Bo Su, Angela Nobbs and Paul Verkade)
• Postdoctoral research with Natalie Strynadka, University of British Columbia, Canada
• Research Fellow with Rene Frank, University of Leeds, UK