Research Fellow

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to April 2028

Background

A position of Research Fellow is available in the laboratory of Andrew Lovering, for a period of 36 months. This involves a structural biology project working on lipid transfer proteins of bacteria, particularly from the predator Bdellovibrio. We have identified several novel multiprotein complexes that allow predators to take up lipids intact from prey and aim to characterise these via structural biology and classical biochemistry.

The applicant must have experience in bacterial cell culture, protein purification, protein biochemistry, structural biology (x-ray crystallography and/or cryo electron microscopy).

You will provide expertise, support and guidance in a team working on novel lipid transfer proteins. You will need an in-depth understanding of the research questions, techniques and experimental protocols. You will be able to use your knowledge to advise on procedures, diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions to issues which arise. You will use your experience in protein biochemistry and structural biology to characterize novel protein complexes (inclusive of transmembrane components) that allow cells to assimilate lipids from their environment. As such, you will provide leadership and guidance to the project.

Main Duties

• Purification of recombinant proteins, including membrane proteins and protein complexes
• Structural biology (x-ray crystallography and cryoEM) studies of proteins and protein complexes – preparing samples and analysing data from these
• Lipid transfer assays
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications – this will be a PhD (or near to completion) in Biosciences
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones; several years strong relevant experience in protein structure projects
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• 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

Informal enquiries to Andrew Lovering, email: a.lovering@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.

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