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Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to work on a collaborative project funded by an ERC Synergy award.
The aims of the Sheffield part of the Synergy project relevant to this position are to: (1) implement the latest methods for the de novo design of synthetic protein assemblies for artificial photosynthesis; (2) design new pigment and cofactor binding sites within a series of monomeric de novo synthetic proteins; (3) use computational tools to create oligomers of these monomeric proteins; (4) find ways to express the genes encoding monomeric and oligomeric proteins in a variety of bacterial hosts; (5) design sites to attach monomeric and oligomeric proteins to native photosynthetic complexes, in order to augment their naturally evolved light-harvesting capacity; (6) characterise the structural and functional properties of designed and native complexes using a variety of biophysical and spectroscopic methods.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
* With the support of colleagues, carry out research projects including (1) implementing the latest methods for the de novo design of synthetic protein assemblies for artificial photosynthesis; (2) design new pigment and cofactor binding sites within a series of monomeric de novo synthetic proteins, and use computational tools to create oligomers of these monomeric proteins; (3) design sites to attach monomeric and oligomeric proteins to native photosynthetic complexes, in order to augment their naturally evolved light-harvesting capacity.
* Solve problems regarding the optimised expression of genes encoding synthetic proteins in a variety of bacterial hosts, the subsequent purification of the recombinant proteins, the isolation and purification of carotenoid and chlorophyll pigments, and their reconstitution into designed proteins.
* Undertake high-throughput 96-well plate cloning, plus cell transformation and growth.
* Purification of de novo designed protein complexes reconstituted with carotenoids and chlorophylls.
* Biochemical characterisation of designed complexes using gel electrophoresis, western blots, sucrose ultracentrifugation, gel filtration.
* Characterise these samples structurally and functionally using cryo-electron microscopy, fluorescence, fluorescence lifetime imaging and absorption spectroscopy.
* Collaborate with senior colleagues in order to prepare papers for journals and presentations for national and international conferences to disseminate research findings.
* Interact with and supervise PhD students within the research group.
* Support with the management of collaborations within the Synergy team at Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich and Centre Algatech, Trebon, Czech Republic, through regular online meetings and by visiting these laboratories when appropriate.
* Plan experimental tasks up to 3 weeks ahead, although advance planning may vary from 1 week up to 3 months depending on the availability of materials, space, or specialised equipment, as well as cost and time.
* Keep appropriate records of all work carried out.
* Develop new collaborations both within the University of Sheffield and with external groups.
* As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
* Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Essential criteria
* Working towards a PhD with a relevant scientific background such as biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry. (assessed at: application)
* Hold general biochemistry skills, including preparation of membrane proteins by sucrose gradients, purification of cytochromes and photosynthetic complexes by ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography, FPLC etc. (assessed at: application)
* Have experience of protein design software such as RoseTTAFold2, RoseTTAFold All-Atom, RFdiffusion All-Atom and LigandMPNN, and a relevant computational background. (assessed at: application)
* Have experience of spectroscopy and kinetic analysis of electron transfer reaction. (assessed at: application)
* Have experience of molecular genetics including cloning, PCR, expression of proteins in non-native hosts, high-throughput 96-well plate cloning, plus cell transformation and growth etc. (assessed at: application)
* Effective communications skills, both verbal and written; experience of delivering presentations and contributing towards the writing of papers. (assessed at: interview)
* Experience of working in a large and diverse research team. (assessed at: interview)
* Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer-term implications. (assessed at: interview)
* Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities. (assessed at: interview)
* Experience of adapting own skills to new circumstances. (assessed at: interview)
Desirable criteria
* Have experience of analytical gel electrophoresis such as SDS PAGE and BN PAGE. (assessed at: application)
* Experience of developing collaborations. (assessed at: interview).
Further Information
Grade: 6
Duration: 1 April 2025 to 31 December 2026
Line manager: Principal Investigator
Direct reports: None
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Amanda Brindley at a.brindley@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. Contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk if you are shortlisted for interview and require reasonable adjustments. #J-18808-Ljbffr