Science and Technology Facilities Council
Bacterial Membrane Biochemist – Summer Placement
Salary: £22,096
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 weeks)
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
The Biology Laboratories at the ISIS Neutron and Muon source are facilities for ISIS instrument scientists and visiting researchers to grow, produce, process, analyse and characterise biological samples such as live cells, viruses, nanoparticles, proteins, lipids – to name a few - before studying them on beam line. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are major components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. They are extensively used in applied research for modelling outer bacterial membrane. Good quality well characterised LPS prep is of great importance when looking at dynamics of bacterial membrane using neutron beam, for example when studying anti-microbial properties of novel drugs. Deuteration – a replacement of molecular hydrogen with deuterium - is an invaluable tool enabling contrast variation in neutron beam studies. Bio deuteration, or deuteration in living systems, allows researchers to obtain deuterated biomolecules in large quantity while utilizing innate cell processes to incorporate deuterium making it a handy tool in neutron research. LPS prepared from deuterated bacteria are in high demand by neutron reflectometry scientists. The main aim of this 12-week placement is to produce stocks of good quality deuterated and non-deuterated LPS – both smooth and rough - for ISIS Neutron beam users and Instrument Scientists. You will become part of the ISIS Experimental Operations Support Laboratories Team, providing support for ISIS Instrument Scientists and visiting researchers. There might be an opportunity for you to present results of your research to ISIS internal as well as external audience. If successful, your work could lead to a scientific publication. At the end of this placement, you will master a variety of biochemistry techniques, will learn methods of biophysical characterisation of biomolecules and might have an opportunity to analyse your biomolecules on neutron beamline.
Summary of Key Duties & Responsibilities
The post holder will be:
1. producing large (1-2 L) volumes of bacterial cultures - both deuterated and non-deuterated using ISIS strains
2. isolating bacterial inner and outer membranes using ultracentrifugation
3. purifying LPS from bacterial outer membranes using extraction and fractionation methods; comparing yield and efficiency of each method
4. characterizing the quality of produced LPS against commercially available stocks
5. actively participating in the experimental design, analysis and troubleshooting
6. producing and analyzing experimental data
7. clearly documenting their findings and reporting them at the internal and external meetings when required
8. supporting the ISIS Biology Laboratories Manager in keeping the BioLab facilities safe, clean and functional
9. actively maintaining the Health and Safety standards in the labs.
To apply for this placement, we are looking for the following:
Essential:
1. You are in full time education at university, and will be returning to university/your studies once the summer placement has concluded
2. You have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement
3. Taking an undergraduate course in Biochemistry or any other Life Sciences subject, such as Biology, Biophysics or similar
4. Have a demonstrable wet laboratory experience either from undertaking practical classes at the University or from previous employment. The examples of wet lab experience are making buffers and solutions, chemical reactions, growing cells, production and analysis of proteins, enzymes, RNA, DNA, lipids or any other similar experience
5. Enjoy laboratory environment and laboratory work
6. Have excellent practical skills, enquiring mind and the ability to fix and troubleshoot. The examples can be from either laboratory environment or any other environment such as home, school, interest club, etc
7. Demonstrate a good understanding of Health and Safety in the Biological Laboratory. Please explain what it means to you
8. Have an interest in cell culture, preparation of bio samples and studying of soft matter (cells, proteins, lipids) using neutron beam line, or in either. Please tell us why you would like to be a part of this project
Desirable:
1. Experience of culturing live cells (bacteria, yeast, mammalian or insect cells)
2. Previous successful completion of a scientific experiment/project
3. Experience of writing COSHH forms and doing Risk Assessments
Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.
Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel. #J-18808-Ljbffr