Job Description
Position Details
School of Chemistry, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to January 2027
Closing date: 12th December 2024
Background
This is a postdoctoral position in the group of Dr Peacock in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham, on the design and development of metallo coiled coils for use in MRI.
This project will develop a new class of MRI contrast agents, based on designed metallo peptide/proteins. MRI is an essential tool for medical diagnosis and contrast agents play a crucial role in improving the images obtained, and hence patient outcomes. New and improved agents are needed that can mitigate the known risks of gadolinium toxicity associated with current MRI contrast agents.
Our previous work demonstrated that, when coordinated with gadolinium, miniature protein scaffolds achieve greater efficiency compared to clinical agents. By redesigning the peptide components, we further enhanced this performance. Recently, we made the unprecedented discovery that copper - a biologically essential metal previously overlooked in MRI contrast agent design - outperforms clinical agents when coordinated with these ligands. This was once thought impossible! Copper presents an exciting alternative to toxic gadolinium.
We are hiring for two positions. This position will develop and experimentally validate new miniature protein-inspired ligands, based on coiled coils, for use in MRI contrast agent design. This project will be well suited to someone who is excited about harnessing engineering biology and bioinorganic chemistry, to develop a novel technology for a real clinical application. Candidates must hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in Chemistry, Biophysics or related discipline, and ideally would have experience in metallo peptide/protein chemistry, peptide design, or MRI contrast agent design.
Role Summary
* Work on Dr Peacock's funded research grant "Design of metallo coiled coils for use in MRI"
* Analyse and interpret research findings and results
* Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts and reports and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar
* Contribute to the development of the wider research group environment, training and activities.
* Contribute to generating funding
* Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar
Main Duties
The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.
* Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
* Contribute to writing bids for research funding
* Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
* Analyse and interpret data
* Work effectively with collaborators
* 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
* 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
* Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related management/administration in the Peacock group
* Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of benefit to project
* Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification
* Candidates must have, or be close to completing, a PhD in Chemistry, Biophysics or related discipline
* Candidates should have experience in computational protein design. Experience in metallo peptides/proteins, or MRI, is desirable but not essential
* High level analytical capability
* Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme
* Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
* 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
* Work effectively in a research team, including collaborative research
* 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 Dr Anna Peacock, email: a.f.a.peacock@bham.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.
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