Position Details School of Biosciences Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £36,924. Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to August 2028 Closing date: 1st Janaury 2025 Background Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) enables the spread of pathogenicity genes between microbes and can therefore drive the emergence of novel diseases. In pathogenic fungi, an emerging global threat to both humans and our crops, the mechanisms that facilitate HGT remain unknown. Recent work has uncovered a novel group of giant transposons called Starships, which have moved virulence, metal tolerance and other fitness associated genes horizontally between fungal species. This post-doctoral project will use a group of globally important plant pathogens as a model to explore horizontal Starship transfer. This post-doctoral role is associated with Dr. McDonald’s UKRI Future Leader Fellowship, and will explore the biochemistry of the Starship transposases. These transposases are the enzymes responsible for mobilising Starships within fungal genomes. The transposase belongs to a conserved family of DUF3435 proteins and contains a Tyrosine recombinase domain. Structural modelling within the lab indicates that its closest characterised homolog is the Cre-recombinase family. This project aims to establish a novel set of biochemical assays to study Starship transposases ability to bind DNA and the affinity for specific sequences and to test in what capacity these enzymes can be engineered for new functions. You will be supported by the generous consumables budget associated with the Fellowship and mentorship of several structural biology focused groups within the School of Biosciences. The Fellowship also support generous conference travel, an EMBO training workshop and international placement with a collaborating lab. The McDonald lab is situated within the Institute of Microbiology and Infection and Plant Sciences within the School of Biosciences. We are highly encouraging of collaborative interactions between groups. Role Summary Applicants will have a PhD (or near to completion) in Biochemistry, Protein Engineering, Structural Biology or Sythetic Biology or Related Field Applicants will have a track-record of scientific output including peer-reviewed publications, or if a recent graduate pre-prints or papers under-review You will be responsible for the design novel experimental tools to test and quantify the mobility of Starship transposons in both in vitro and in vivo systems You will be familiar with protein expression and purification to help characterise the transposase DNA binding capacity You will explore the structure and function of the transposase using biochemical assays (DNA-binding, sequence specificity, structural modelling, X-ray crystallography) You will explore design new assays to study the uses of transposases outside of the native host (i.e. genome engineering) Be enthusiastic about co-supervising a dedicated PhD student who will be appointed to support the project Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences You will be encourage to apply for independent grants, Fellowships to establish your own track-record in funding and establish independence with support from Dr. McDonald. Main Duties The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below. Work collaboratively with all lab members to build a new experimental system to study transposon movement Help build the biochemistry expertise of the wider group and assist with implementation of new protocols and techniques, this may include purchasing of shared equipment Work collaboratively with wider Biochemistry and Structural biology groups within the School of Biosciences Establish new biochemical assays to measure DNA-binding activity of the transposases Have expert skills in in protein expression, structural biology, bio-engineering or other related field 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 Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture. Person Specification PhD (or near to completion) in Biochemistry, Structural Biology or Molecular Biology 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 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 Megan McDonald, email: m.c.mcdonaldbham.ac.uk We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is one of our values. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .