At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team investigating protein aggregation and its impact on cellular function.
- Company: Leading university with a focus on innovative research in biochemistry and cell biology.
- Benefits: 42 days holiday, generous pension, health perks, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in understanding diseases like diabetes and Parkinson's through cutting-edge research.
- Qualifications: PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cell Biology or related field with relevant research experience.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a collaborative environment with excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role will be based on the university campus. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.
Understanding and Controlling Amyloid Polymorphism: From Test Tube to Tissue
We are looking for an outstanding research fellow to join our interdisciplinary team investigating how proteins aggregate into amyloid fibrils, and how fibrils with different structures perturb cellular function. This 6-year Wellcome Discovery award will involve three post-doctoral fellows and two PhD students, who will form an integrated team combining biochemical, biophysical, cell biological and structural methods (cryoEM and cryoET) with the goal of transforming our understanding of amyloid polymorphism in vitro, in cells, and in mouse models and human tissue. The project will focus on IAPP involved in type-2 diabetes and a-synuclein in Parkinson’s disease.
For this position we are seeking a talented postdoctoral researcher with expertise in biochemistry and cell biology, to explore how small molecules, metabolites and differences in cellular conditions influence the mechanism of amyloid assembly and alter the structures of fibrils formed. Using fluorescence methods, you will develop approaches to track fibril polymorphism and how it changes with time in test tubes, in cells and in human/murine tissue. You will also investigate fibrils extracted from murine and patient samples and determine the role of different fibril types in causing cellular dysfunction and disease.
You will work closely with two other postdoctoral fellows funded on the grant who bring expertise in biophysical analysis of amyloid assembly and structural methods (cryoEM/ET). You will be based in the laboratories of Professors Sheena Radford and Neil Ranson, and work closely with other members of our amyloid team.
For this position you should have (or be close to completing) a PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cell Biology or a related discipline, and extensive experience of using biochemical, biophysical and cell biological methods to elucidate biological mechanisms involving protein assembly.
What we offer in return:
- 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
- Generous pension scheme plus life assurance – The University contributes 14.5% of salary.
- Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
- Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
- Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
- And much more!
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:
Research Fellow in Biochemistry/Cell Biology in Leeds employer: University of Leeds
Contact Detail:
University of Leeds Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Biochemistry/Cell Biology in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the biochemistry and cell biology fields. Attend seminars, workshops, or conferences where you can meet potential collaborators or mentors. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your research work, including any publications or presentations. This will help you stand out during interviews and give you something tangible to discuss with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your research experience and how it aligns with the role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of being noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role right there!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Biochemistry/Cell Biology in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Research Fellow in Biochemistry/Cell Biology. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in biochemistry and cell biology methods, and don’t forget to mention any work with amyloid fibrils or related research.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our interdisciplinary team. Share your passion for research and how your skills align with our project goals, particularly around amyloid polymorphism and its implications in diseases like type-2 diabetes and Parkinson’s.
Showcase Your Research Experience: In your application, be sure to showcase your research experience clearly. Discuss specific projects you've worked on, methodologies you've used, and any significant findings. This will help us see how you can contribute to our understanding of protein aggregation.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest findings related to amyloid polymorphism and the specific proteins involved, like IAPP and a-synuclein. Familiarise yourself with recent publications from Professors Radford and Ranson, as this will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into biochemistry and cell biology methods. Brush up on your knowledge of fluorescence techniques and structural methods like cryoEM and cryoET. Be ready to discuss how you would apply these techniques to track fibril polymorphism and its implications in disease.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with other postdoctoral fellows and PhD students. Highlight your collaborative experiences and how you’ve successfully worked in interdisciplinary teams before. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to team projects and what you learned from those experiences.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the research group’s current projects, future directions, and how they envision the role of the new research fellow. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the team dynamics and research focus align with your career goals.