Postdoctoral Research Associate

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate position to work with Dr Purba Mukherjee in the Department of Chemistry on an EPSRC funded fellowship. The position is tenable for a period of 24 months with potential for extension.

Department

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest and most successful departments at York and we are renowned internationally for our research. As a department, we strive to provide a working environment that allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We are proud of our Athena Swan Gold Award.

Role

The project will focus on understanding the non-canonical mechanism of protein-mediated replication initiation using peptide chemistry, enzyme kinetics and biophysical methods. Knowledge of peptide and oligonucleotide therapeutics is desirable. This appointment will suit a candidate with a PhD in peptide chemistry, knowledge of protein-nucleic acids interactions and MS techniques.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• To conduct research under the supervision of Dr Purba Mukherjee and to contribute to the production of research, specifically to
  • Synthesise and characterise a peptide library.
  • Purify enzymes and carry out biochemical characterisation of enzymes using both routine analytical techniques and the specialised biochemical assays available in the lab.
  • Use the knowledge gained from the above and results from other members of the research group to understand how nucleic acid modifying enzymes can be used to synthesise peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates.
• To assist in the identification and development of potential areas of research and the development of proposals for independent or collaborative research projects.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• A First degree in chemistry or biochemistry and PhD in peptide chemistry or chemical biology or protein-nucleic acids biochemistry or equivalent experience
• Knowledge in peptide or oligonucleotide or protein/peptide-oligonucleotide bioconjugate synthesis to engage in high quality research using a range of research techniques and methodologies
• Knowledge of biological processes involving protein-nucleic acids interactions and peptide analysis methods including mass spectrometry
• Highly developed communication skills, attention to detail and commitment to high quality
• Evidenced ability to develop research objectives, plan and prioritise work, and conduct individual and collaborative research
• Ability to write up research work for publication and competency at presenting at conferences
• Experience in peptide synthesis and enzyme activity assays
• Experience of basic microbiology and molecular biology methods
• Positive attitude to colleagues and students and a willingness to work proactively
• Commitment to personal development and 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.

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.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We also encourage applications from women for senior roles.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork.

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