Research Assistant/Associate-Structural & Chemical Biology for Drug Discovery
Requisition ID: 27932
Location: Newcastle, GB
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Working Pattern: Full Time
Posted Date: 26 Feb 2025
Salary:
* Research Assistant: £32,546 to £34,132 per annum
* Research Associate: £35,116 to £40,497 per annum
Closing Date: 19 March 2025
The Role
You will be part of a team based in the Newcastle Cancer Centre that will use structural, chemical, and cell biological tools to understand the roles and mechanisms of CDKs to generate hypotheses for drug discovery. You will use contemporary structural, biochemical, and biophysical techniques to characterize CDK complexes involved in the control of the eukaryotic cell cycle and the regulation of transcription. You will be an accomplished researcher with experience in interdisciplinary protein structure determination and expertise in contemporary structural biology techniques, with a requirement for familiarity with cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography.
You will design, implement, and deliver novel strategies to prepare protein complexes. You will have experience in contemporary techniques in high throughput protein crystallography for inhibitor design. You will also have experience in using biophysical techniques to characterize protein structure, function, and regulation. You will work within a large multi-disciplinary team that includes biologists, structural biologists, and chemists.
The position is funded by the Medical Research Council and is a fixed-term post until 30th September 2026.
Please provide evidence of how you meet the essential criteria required for the role outlined in ‘The Person’ by uploading a letter of application along with your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Key Accountabilities
* Use contemporary methods in cryo-electron microscopy to determine protein structures
* Supervise and manage protein crystallization and X-ray diffraction data collection using home source and synchrotron sources
* Lead the implementation of appropriate biophysical assays and high throughput crystallography in support of medicinal chemistry
* Collect and analyze data and present your results at group and institute meetings and to collaborators
* Liaise with bioscience and chemistry colleagues to identify and optimize opportunities for further collaboration
* Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of studies
* Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment
* Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required
* Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
* Write proposals for individual research funding or contribute to the writing of collective bids
* Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
* Contribute to the writing up of research for publication and dissemination
* Present research findings at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets
* May supervise final year undergraduate research projects and provide support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants
* Work with support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students
* May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
* Develop an awareness of University structures, policies, and procedures
* Contribute to laboratory meetings e.g. problem solving, internal seminars, journal club
* Perform risk assessments and maintain safety laboratory records (e.g. COSHH)
* Organize and assist in general laboratory duties as required
The Person
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
* Substantial experience in cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography for protein structure determination
* Experience in biophysical techniques for the study of protein structure and function
* Expertise in recombinant protein expression in bacterial and insect cells
* Research experience in an academic or industry setting, preferably in eukaryotic cell cycle and cell signaling
* The ability to identify and develop new technologies and methods relevant to the post
* Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
* Detailed subject knowledge in structural and chemical biology
* High level of analytical and problem-solving capability
* Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others
* Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications
* Experience in molecular biology techniques: construct design, subcloning, and site-directed mutagenesis
* Previous experience of working in collaboration with industrial partners
Attributes and Behaviour
* Clear commitment to a career in research
* Willingness to undertake work outside of normal working hours
* Flexibility to participate fully in multi-centre collaborations
Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant science subject – preferably biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry. (For Research Assistant Appointment)
* A PhD in the area of structural biology. (For Research Associate appointment)
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports, and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support, and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams.
At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
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