Research Assistant

Vacancy terms: Full-time, fixed term contract till 31 December 2026

Hours per week: 37.5

Advert closes midnight on: 03 September 2024

About the role

Are you passionate about unlocking the mysteries of gene regulation and chromatin modifications? Do you possess a robust biochemical background, have expertise in structural biology and experience with protein evolution? If so, we have the perfect role for you!

Position Overview: Join our dynamic team as a Research Assistant and embark on an enriching journey to explore heterochromatin formation at the molecular level. This role is a vital part of our BBSRC-funded project, “Dissecting regulatory mechanisms governing histone H3 lysine 9 methylation.”

Where You'll Thrive:

• Mentorship: You will collaborate closely with Professors Nicholas Brindle and Thomas Schalch, internationally recognized experts in developing new diagnostic technologies and in deciphering chromatin biology.
• Environment: Become an integral member of the University of Leicester’s Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, a vibrant community of researchers passionate about developing new approaches to understand the structure of chromosomes and how epigenetic processes govern gene expression.
• Research Excellence: In addition to being a part of the department, you will also be a member of the Leicester Institute for Structural and Chemical Biology (LISCB), a beacon of research excellence established by the University of Leicester.

Resources at Your Disposal:

• Advanced Facilities: Benefit from the cutting-edge structural biology facilities, including cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, and biomolecular nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Comprehensive resources available for genomic analyses at the Core Biotechnology Service’s Nucleus genomics facility.
• Instrumentation: Access an array of biophysical instruments such as isothermal calorimetry (ITC), biolayer interferometry (BLI), protein chromatography robots and HPLC systems. You will also have state-of-the art tissue culture facilities at your disposal.

About you

Seize this chance to delve deep into gene regulation and chromatin intricacies while working in an environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence. Join us, and together, let’s explore the future of chromatin biology!

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Prof Thomas Schalch on thomas.schalch@leicester.ac.uk.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world. 

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

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