Research Associate in Chemical Biology

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,396 to £33,966 with potential progression once in post to £38,205

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract up until 31^st August 2025

Brief JD

The role has arisen as a consequence of the award of a BBSRC sLoLa award (SPIDR) to Prof Andrew Wilson (University of Birmingham). 

The purpose of the role is: (i) to assist Prof Wilson and Dr Chiara Arno in developing cell permeable peptidomimetic inhibitors of the interaction between the Aurora A kinase and its regulatory clients; (ii) to assist Professor Wilson in running and maintaining a research laboratory, (iii) to facilitate collaboration with wider members of the SPIDR team at the Universities of Leeds and Oxford.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Work in close collaboration with a senior research associate in the Wilson group and as part of a larger team of researchers to design, plan and conduct a programme of investigation in consultation Prof Andrew Wilson, using appropriate methods to analyse and interpret research data, 
• Performing analyses of cell-uptake behaviour of peptidomimetic protein-protein interaction inhibitor candidates using confocal imaging, alongside functional assays (e.g. toxicity analyses);
• Support the acquisition of biochemical and biophysical assay data e.g. by performing protein expression and/or carrying out fluorescence anisotropy competition assays;
• To support ongoing collaborations with relevant researcher groups including Richard Bayliss and Megan Wright (University of Leeds) and Fanni Gergely (University of Oxford). 
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person spec

Essential:

• A masters level degree in chemical biology or relevant allied discipline;
• Practical experience of cell culture and confocal microscopy;
• Practical experience in functional cell-based assays, e.g. MTS, reporter gene, Western Blot;
• The ability to write up research independently, together with the ability to contribute to peer reviewed publications in international journals;
• Excellent communication skills. 
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Desirable:

• A PhD degree. 
• Experience in the analyses of cell-uptake of synthetic compounds e.g. peptides;
• Practical experience of protein expression and purification;

Informal enquires can be made to Professor Andy Wilson, email: a.j.wilson.1@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

Closes: 12^th July 2024

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