Senior Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biochemistry & Drug Design

Contract Type: Fixed term for 9 months in the first instance

Faculty: Faculty of Health

Department: Division of Clinical Medicine

Location:  

School of Medicine and Population Health

Beech Hill Road

Sheffield  S10 2RX

Closing Date: As soon as possible

Join the University of Sheffield for an outstanding opportunity in groundbreaking drug development research. You can contribute to the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria by studying flap endonucleases (FENs) and their role in cell survival. We seek an experienced scientist (biochemist) to explore FEN-inhibitor interactions using a range of characterisation techniques.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Research Associate, you will: 

• Conduct advanced research on FEN-inhibitor interactions using molecular interaction analysis, thermal shift assays, and FRET-based nuclease assays. 
• Maintain accurate chemical structure databases, using DataWarrior for curation and PyMOL. 
• Co-ordinate research activities with our international collaborators, showcasing your strong organisational skills. 
• Contribute to preparation of research reports, publications, and presentations. 
• Engage in collaborative research projects to identify new drugs for treating critical diseases. 
• Participate in laboratory meetings, seminars, and conferences to present your findings. 
• Ensure compliance with all safety and ethical guidelines in your research activities. 

REQUIREMENTS

To be successful in this role, you must have: 

• A Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, or a related field. 
• Proven experience in biophysics, including molecular interaction analysis, thermal shift assays, and FRET-based nuclease assays. 
• Proficiency in using DataWarrior for chemical structure curation and PyMOL for structural analysis and presentation. 
• Outstanding organizational skills and a proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. 
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively present research findings and collaborate with team members. 
• A dedication to encouraging an inclusive and collaborative research environment. 
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating an ambitious approach to research. 

HOW TO APPLY

If you are passionate about scientific discovery and eager to contribute to world-class research, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are interested in this position, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is highly encouraged. 

You will join a team of researchers led by Prof. Jon Sayers which includes structural biologists dedicated to identifying potential new drugs to treat important diseases. The team has access to state-of-the art protein purification and analytical services, modern labs and the full range of equipment and facilities required to conduct cutting-edge research (see https://tinyurl.com/anzkmry3 for further information about FENs and the laboratory). 

We are seeking candidates with a Ph.D. in a relevant area, as well as demonstrable experience in flap endonuclease inhibitor discovery research. As this role involves a multidisciplinary approach, it is essential that you have expertise in relevant chemoinformatics, biochemical and biophysical techniques and you will also need experience/knowledge of Python, PyRx and PyMOL. 

To find out what makes the University of Sheffield a remarkable place to work, watch this short film: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LblLk18zmo, and follow @sheffielduni and @ShefUniJobs on Twitter for more information.

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