Research Assistant/Associate-Structural & chemical biology to generate hypotheses for drug discovery

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Research Assistant/Associate-Structural & Chemical Biology to Generate Hypotheses for Drug Discovery

Requisition ID: 27932

Location: Newcastle, GB

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Working Pattern: Full Time

Posted Date: 26 Feb 2025

Research Assistant: £32,546 to £34,132 per annum

Research Associate: £35,116 to £40,497 per annum

Closing Date: 19 March 2025

The Role

You will be part of a team based in the Newcastle Cancer Centre that will use structural, chemical, and cell biological tools to understand the roles and mechanisms of CDKs to generate hypotheses for drug discovery. You will use contemporary structural, biochemical, and biophysical techniques to characterise CDK complexes involved in the control of the eukaryotic cell cycle and the regulation of transcription. You will be an accomplished researcher with experience in inter-disciplinary protein structure determination and expertise in contemporary structural biology techniques, with a requirement for familiarity with cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography.

You will design, implement and deliver novel strategies to prepare protein complexes. You will have experience in contemporary techniques in high throughput protein crystallography for inhibitor design. You will also have experience in using biophysical techniques to characterise protein structure, function, and regulation. You will work within a large multi-disciplinary team that includes biologists, structural biologists, and chemists.

The position is funded by the Medical Research Council and is a fixed term post until 30th September 2026.

Please provide evidence of how you meet the essential criteria required for the role outlined in ‘The Person’ by uploading a letter of application along with your Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Key Accountabilities

1. Use contemporary methods in cryo-electron microscopy to determine protein structures.
2. Supervise and manage protein crystallization and X-ray diffraction data collection using the home source and synchrotron sources.
3. Lead the implementation of appropriate biophysical assays and high throughput crystallography in support of medicinal chemistry.
4. Collect and analyse data and present your results at group and institute meetings and to collaborators.
5. Liaise with bioscience and chemistry colleagues to identify and optimise opportunities for further collaboration.
6. Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of studies.
7. Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment.
8. Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required.
9. Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding.
10. Begin to write proposals for individual research funding or contribute to the writing of collective bids.
11. Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations.
12. Contribute to the writing up of research for publication and dissemination.
13. Present research findings at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets.
14. May supervise final year undergraduate research projects and provide support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants.
15. Work with support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students.
16. May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities.
17. Develop an awareness of University structures, policies, and procedures.
18. Contribute to laboratory meetings.
19. Perform risk assessments and maintain safety laboratory records in consultation with academic staff.
20. Organise and assist in general laboratory duties as required.

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

1. Substantial experience in cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography for protein structure determination.
2. Experience in biophysical techniques for the study of protein structure and function.
3. Expertise in recombinant protein expression in bacterial and insect cells.
4. Research experience in an academic or industry setting, preferably in eukaryotic cell cycle and cell signalling.
5. The ability to identify and develop new technologies and methods relevant to the post.
6. Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills.
7. Detailed subject knowledge in structural and chemical biology.
8. Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects.
9. High level of analytical and problem-solving capability.
10. Ability to communicate complex information with clarity.
11. Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment.
12. Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications.
13. Experience in molecular biology techniques: construct design, subcloning and site-directed mutagenesis.
14. Previous experience of working in collaboration with industrial partners.

Attributes and Behaviour

1. Clear commitment to a career in research.
2. Willingness to undertake work outside of normal working hours.
3. Flexibility to participate fully in multi-centre collaborations.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant science subject – preferably biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry. (For Research Assistant Appointment)
2. A PhD in the area of structural biology. (For Research Associate appointment)

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