Research Associate - Molecular and Cell Biology

Vacancy terms: Fixed term contract from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2027

Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Molecular and Cell Biology funded by the Medical Research Council. This is an exciting opportunity to be a key researcher in an interdisciplinary project entitled ‘Developing PROTACs for the target validation of individual Histone Deacetylase corepressor complexes’. This is a collaborative project between the groups of Dr James Hodgkinson (School of Chemistry and Leicester Institute of structural and Chemical Biology, LISCB), Professor John Schwabe (Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and LISCB) and Professor Shaun Cowley (Department of Molecular and Cell Biology). The project also involves collaborations with industrial partners Charnwood Discovery and TOCRIS bioscience, a Bio-Techne brand. This a 36-month position subject to completion of a probation period.

In this role you will primarily be based in the research labs of Professor Schwabe and Professor Cowley implementing the biological evaluation of novel proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) libraries, and generating new approaches to evaluate PROTACs in vitro and in-cells. The role is ideally suited to a researcher experienced in techniques in molecular and cell biology including cell culture, protein biochemistry and assay development. Additionally, the candidate should be motivated to learn new techniques and approaches to evaluate PROTAC libraries. Although your primary role will be in Molecular and Cell Biology you will work as an integral member of an interdisciplinary team of researchers actively engaging in the interpretation and communication of biological results to all team members. The successful candidate will also provide high level research skills in molecular and cell biology through personal expertise and contributions to the wider research team, and will take a leading role in the presentation of results and manuscript preparation for publication/IP.

The Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology (LISCB) is a cross-disciplinary entity that brings together internationally renowned research in structural biology and chemical biology at the University of Leicester into a single world-leading unit. The Institute aims to exploit synergies in research technologies to deliver major advances in both fundamental and translational research.

About you

The candidate should have a PhD qualification (or about to be awarded a PhD) in a biological science research topic, and have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Previous experience in biophysical techniques and or/bioinformatics are also desirable but not essential.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to James Hodgkinson on jthodgkinson@le.ac.uk

This position is available from 01 January 2025, with a start date as soon as possible.

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 equity, 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. 

Advert closes midnight on: 24 November 2024

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