At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research on engineered protein nanocages for mitochondrial delivery.
- Company: Durham University, a top-ranked institution in Biological Sciences.
- Benefits: Full-time position with access to state-of-the-art labs and equipment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a collaborative research environment.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge team transforming medicine through synthetic biology and nanotechnology.
- Qualifications: Post-doctoral experience in protein engineering and synthetic biology required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
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, and also teaches students from the Natural Sciences programme. The Department is committed to an ethos of research-led teaching at both BSc and MBiol levels, and was ranked 4th in the UK for Biological Sciences Departments in the Complete University Guide 2027. The Department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award. Athena SWAN is a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation and progression. The Department embraces excellence in all of its forms and invites all qualified applicants to apply. We particularly welcome applications from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in the academic sector.
Join us as a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant at the Centre for Programmable Biological Matter! At the Centre for Programmable Biological Matter, we are interested in understanding, designing and building natural and artificial bionanomachines. We ask - can we design artificial versions of such machines to carry out processes not available or possible in nature? The ability to design functional, dynamic proteins will revolutionise medicine. It will mean new capabilities in vaccines and drug including nanoscale medicine that can be programmed and can self-propel. We have established the Centre of Programmable Biological Matter (CPBM) as to spearhead research in this area.
This post forms part of a major ARIA-funded multidisciplinary programme aimed at transforming mitochondria into programmable entities. The successful candidate will join the Centre for Programmable Biological Matter at Durham University and lead the development of engineered protein nanocages for the delivery of molecular cargoes to mitochondria. The project will build on our established TRAP-cage platform, an ultra-stable, self-assembling protein nanostructure that can encapsulate biological cargoes and release them in response to defined environmental triggers.
The research will involve the design, construction and characterisation of artificial proteins capable of recognizing and transporting cargoes across cellular barriers. Approaches will include protein engineering, AI-enabled protein design, synthetic biology, recombinant protein production, biophysical characterisation, microscopy and the development of novel cargo-targeting strategies. The postholder will work closely with a consortium spanning mitochondrial genetics, nanotechnology, extracellular vesicle engineering and synthetic biology. They will contribute to the development of next-generation technologies for mitochondrial manipulation, generating fundamental insights and enabling future therapeutic applications.
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated researcher to contribute to a high-risk, high-reward programme at the interface of synthetic biology, protein engineering, bionanotechnology and mitochondrial biology. This role will be based on-site, at the Department of Chemistry, Durham University, in our newly refurbished labs with state-of-the-art equipment. Full-time for 15 months.
Post-Doctoral Research Assistant, Department of Biosciences 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 Post-Doctoral Research Assistant, Department of Biosciences
✨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 Post-Doctoral Research Assistant, Department of Biosciences
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!
