PDRA Mechanism of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in biological chemistry with a particular emphasis on small molecule synthesis, enzyme kinetics and enzyme-small molecule binding studies. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters including acetylcholine and has an important role in nerve transduction. Despite its important biological role and use as an Alzheimer’s disease drug target, we still do not fully understand how this enzyme works or how molecules such as ACh analogues or reaction products interact with it. In this project you will carry out chemical synthesis to make analogues of the natural substrate acetylcholine and its reaction products. You will then analyse the interactions of these analogues with enzyme AChE using biophysical techniques.

This post is fixed term for 6 months. The funding is available from 1^st April 2025 for this fixed period only. The project is time-limited and will end on 30^th September 2025. The successful candidate will ideally be in post as soon as possible from 1^st April 2025.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Key responsibilities

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To manage data storage, backup and security in line with university guidelines with full access granted only to those directly involved in the project.

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