At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research on programmable delivery systems for mitochondria at Durham University.
- Company: Join a globally recognised university with a vibrant and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, generous pension, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with top researchers in a dynamic, state-of-the-art lab environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge research that could revolutionise medicine.
- Qualifications: PhD in structural biology or related field, with experience in protein engineering.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Working at Durham University is a unique opportunity in a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence. The University is located within a beautiful historic city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by stunning countryside.
The Department of Biosciences is composed of 62 academic staff and research fellows; around 50 research and technical support staff; over 90 Research Postgraduate students and over 500 Single Honours undergraduate students. The Department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, recognising the advancement of gender equality, representation and progression.
Join us as a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant at the Centre for Programmable Biological Matter! We are interested in understanding, designing and building natural and artificial bionanomachines. This post forms part of a major ARIA-funded multidisciplinary programme aimed at transforming mitochondria into programmable entities. The successful candidate will lead the development of engineered protein nanocages for the delivery of molecular cargoes to mitochondria.
Key responsibilities include:
- Understanding and conveying material of a specialist or highly technical nature through presentations and discussions.
- Preparing and delivering presentations on research outputs/activities to various audiences.
- Publishing high-quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
- Conducting individual and collaborative research projects.
- Identifying areas for research and developing new research methods.
- Planning and managing own research activity and resources.
- Delivering training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students.
- Contributing to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment.
Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from those who are currently under-represented in our workforce, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups.
Qualifications required include:
- A good first degree in Biological sciences.
- A PhD (or be close to submission) in structural biology, protein engineering, or a related subject.
- Experience in conducting high-quality academic research.
- Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.
We offer a competitive salary and a range of benefits including 30 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, health and wellbeing support, and family-friendly policies.
To apply, candidates must submit a CV and cover letter detailing their experience, skills, and achievements.
PDRA in Durham employer: Durham University
Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and development. As a Strategic Pre-Award Grants Manager, you will benefit from a dynamic environment that values innovation and teamwork, while also enjoying access to comprehensive training opportunities and a commitment to work-life balance in the vibrant city of Durham.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PDRA in Durham
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Durham University. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Durham University!
We think you need these skills to ace PDRA in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Durham University that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Durham University.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Durham University does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Durham University. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Durham University's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Durham University. This shows your passion for the industry!
