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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to explore bacteriophage replication and structural biology.
- Company: University of York's Department of Chemistry, a top-ranked research hub.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive community, and opportunities for career development.
- Why this job: Make groundbreaking discoveries in structural biology while mentoring future scientists.
- Qualifications: PhD in structural biology or biochemistry with hands-on cryo-EM experience.
- Other info: Vibrant environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Dr Purba Mukherjee seeks applications from motivated individuals for a PDRA position to join YSBL at the Department of Chemistry, University of York. This full-time role, focusing on the structural characterisation of macromolecular complexes in bacteriophage replication initiation, will be carried out in collaboration with Indrajit Lahiri at the School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield. The appointment is for an initial term of up to 18 months, with the possibility of an extension and will be funded by EPSRC.
You will be joining one of UoY’s largest and most successful departments. Home to 85 postdoctoral experts conducting world-class research, the Department of Chemistry – ranked among top 10 in REF2021 – offers a vibrant and supportive community. YSBL has a long-standing history of contributions to structural biology. We are proud of our Athena Swan Gold Award (since 2007), reflecting our dedication to creating an environment where you can truly excel and make your mark. The Department of Chemistry values all employees for the qualities and skills they bring to the workplace and aims to be a diverse and egalitarian community in which all can thrive.
In certain bacteriophages (phi29, PRD1) replication initiation employs a protein primer in place of an RNA primer. The Mukherjee group is focused on exploiting such novel mechanisms of polymerase action for downstream application in biocatalytic processes. You will work on the structural characterisation of a bacteriophage protein-primed replication complex. Building on existing knowledge in the group you will:
- purify and assemble a macromolecular complex
- optimise conditions to obtain a cryo-EM structure of replication initiation complexes in various states during protein-priming
You will also have the opportunity to gain supervisory skills by supporting Masters and PhD students, where necessary within the group.
The postholder should have a PhD (or be about to be awarded a PhD) in structural biology or biochemistry or equivalent experience. You are expected to:
- Have hands-on experience in all steps of determining a cryo-EM structure of a protein-protein or protein-nucleic acid complex (sample preparation, grid preparation, data collection, structure determination and molecular modeling)
- Be proficient in biophysical (ITC, MST etc) and biochemical (kinetics) methods of complex analysis
- Be competent at working both independently and collaboratively
- Have excellent written and oral scientific communication skills with a track record for publication(s) and conference presentation(s)
- Be committed to the values of equality, diversity and inclusion
Interview date: To be confirmed. For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Purba Mukherjee, email purba.mukherjee@york.ac.uk.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Sheffield employer: University of York
Contact Detail:
University of York Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of York or in similar fields. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the research done by Dr Mukherjee and the YSBL team. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you’re genuinely excited about contributing to their groundbreaking work.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You might need to present your past research or ideas during the interview. Make sure you can communicate your findings clearly and confidently – we want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our vibrant community at the Department of Chemistry.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the specific role. Highlight your experience in structural biology and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this position and how your background makes you a great fit. Don't forget to mention your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion – it's important to us!
Showcase Your Research Experience: Be sure to detail your hands-on experience with cryo-EM and any other relevant techniques. We love seeing concrete examples of your work, so include publications or presentations that demonstrate your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of York
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of your research area, especially around structural biology and cryo-EM techniques. Be prepared to discuss your previous work and how it relates to the role, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working with both the Mukherjee group and the School of Biosciences, highlight any past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Share examples that demonstrate your ability to work independently while also being a team player.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about specific techniques like sample preparation and data collection for cryo-EM. Brush up on your knowledge of biophysical and biochemical methods, and be ready to explain how you’ve applied these in your previous research.
✨Communicate Your Commitment to Diversity
The Department values equality, diversity, and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how you embody these values. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you’ve been involved in that promote a diverse and supportive research environment.
