Nouran Ghanem

Postdoctoral Researcher | Cryo-EM, Cryo-ET, Membrane Proteins, Structural Biology @ Queen Mary University of London

About

Nouran is a PhD-trained structural biologist who completed both her Master’s and PhD training in Japan, with over 3 years of postdoctoral experience in the UK. She specializes in single-particle cryo-EM, cryo-ET, atomic model building, and structural interpretation. She has resolved high-resolution cryo-EM structures (up to 2.9 Å) of challenging membrane protein complexes, supported by strong expertise in membrane protein purification, biochemistry, and molecular biology. She has contributed to multidisciplinary projects through cryo-EM data processing, model building, map optimization, and figure preparation. Her expertise includes: • Single-particle cryo-EM data processing and refinement • Atomic model building and validation • Cryo-ET structural analysis • Protein purification of challenging membrane proteins • Biochemical and molecular biology techniques supporting structural studies • Protein engineering She is motivated to apply her expertise in structural biology, protein science, and high-resolution imaging to advance fundamental research and therapeutic discovery. She is open to remote or on-site roles in academia or industry, including structural biology consultant, cryo-EM specialist (data processing and/or model building), and research-focused scientist positions.

Country

City

United Kingdom

Industry

Biotechnology

Skill

Protein modelling, Negative staining EM, Protein Expression, Protein Purification, Electron Microscopy, Single particle analysis, Cryo tomography, ELISA, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, PCR, SDS-PAGE, Electrophoresis, Structural Biology, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, recombinant DNA technology, DNA Extraction, Research, Laboratory Skills, Protein Engineering

Experience

Postdoctoral Researcher | Cryo-EM, Cryo-ET, Membrane Proteins, Structural Biology

Queen Mary University of London

2022-10 - Present · 4 yrs

London Area, United Kingdom

Driving structural studies of bacterial type II secretion system (T2SS) and related protein complexes using cryo-EM and cryo-ET. Enhanced resolution and optimized workflows for CobN protein complexes, contributing to collaborative high-impact projects. Resolved Cryo-EM of T2SS sub-complexes through grid optimization and data processing (Relion, CryoSPARC). Prepared and vitrified cryo-EM grids, collected datasets on high-end microscopes, and performed structural modeling using Chimera, COOT, and Phenix. Applied subtomogram averaging to study T2SS in situ. Optimized protein expression, solubilization and purification pipelines, increasing yield and stability of membrane protein complex. Collaborated with the University of Kent to refine CobN enzyme complex maps to ~3.8 Å, enabling structural model building. Mentored undergraduate.

Junior Research Associate | Protein Engineering, Structural Biology, Cryo-EM

RIKEN

2020-4 - 2022-3 · 2 yrs

Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

Executed and Advanced four diverse research projects spanning protein engineering, biochemistry, membrane proteins, and structural biology. Designed and executed molecular, biochemical, and structural experiments, integrating new methodologies to enhance research outcomes. Developed and optimized protein purification and structural workflows for challenging membrane proteins. Conducted data analysis and literature reviews to troubleshoot experimental challenges and refine approaches. Presented findings at national and international conferences, strengthening scientific communication. Secured multiple research scholarships and grants (JICA, Otsuka Toshimi Foundation, RIKEN JRA) through proposal writing. Co-authored peer-reviewed publications in Scientific Reports and The FEBS Journal.

Doctorate degree in Molecular and Chemical Life Sciences

Tohoku University

2019-4 - 2022-3 · 3 yrs

Sendai, Miyagi, Japan

Title of thesis: Alteration of the assembly of staphylococcal pore-forming toxin through grafting the stem domain. Engineered and characterized membrane pore-forming toxins (alpha- and gamma-hemolysins) by designing 20+ chimeric constructs. Conducted biochemical assays and negative-stain TEM to analyze conformational changes, resulting in published findings (FEBS Journal, 2022).

Teaching Assistant | Molecular Biology

Tohoku University

2019-4 - 2019-10 · 7 mos

Sendai, Miyagi, Japan

Guided 20+ undergraduate students in Molecular Biology laboratories, ensuring proper technique, safety, and comprehension of complex concepts. Mentored students one-on-one to clarify challenging topics, improving lab performance and understanding.

Master degree in Biomolecular Sciences

Tohoku University

2017-4 - 2019-3 · 2 yrs

Sendai, Miyagi, Japan

Title of thesis: Elucidation of the mechanism of staphylococcal pore-forming toxin by protein engineering approach Engineered and characterized membrane pore-forming toxins (alpha- and gamma-hemolysins) by designing 20+ chimeric constructs. Conducted biochemical assays and negative-stain TEM to analyze conformational changes.

Research Assistant in Faculty of Life Science

Tohoku University

2016-10 - 2017-4 · 7 mos

Sendai, Miyagi, Japan

I undertook extensive training and independent study in molecular and biochemical techniques as part of my preparation for the competitive entrance examination for master's studies.

Chemist / Inspector

General Organization of Exports and Imports Control

2014-6 - 2016-8 · 2 yrs 3 mos

Cairo airport, Egypt

I conducted quality inspections of imported food products to ensure compliance with national safety and regulatory standards prior to entry into the country. Monitored and followed up on laboratory test results for a wide range of consignments, ensuring timely reporting and appropriate action based on analytical outcomes.