PDRA in Glycolipid-Peptide Interaction Chemical Biology

The Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) is a national research centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology. We believe that every disease, stress or pathology in nature can be understood by its molecular clockwork.

One of our goals is to study the mechanisms of pathology at the atomic level. Within the Next Generation Chemistry theme, we intend to map the precise interactions of (glyco)lipids with peptides and proteins, with an emphasis on bacterial systems that drive pathology. Within this Wellcome Trust-funded project, you will develop hypothesis-focused lipid, protein and peptide systems that will chemically delineate the assembly of key membrane constructs.

The project, as part of a larger team, is a collaboration with other themes at the Franklin and with both potential industrial and academic collaborators (specifically in this project at the University of Oxford and University College London with whom you will work extensively). This Postdoctoral Research Associate post, which is for 3 years in the first instance, reports to the Franklin’s Theme Lead for Chemistry, and will work alongside other researchers in the Franklin.

Responsibilities

You will:

• Embrace the primary project of the role, namely developing various synthetic lipid, peptide and protein systems and testing their capabilities in a manner relevant to putative bacterial scenarios.

• Collaborate with academic partners.

• Collaborate with other researchers on design hypotheses.

• Work with other themes and researchers to develop the burgeoning Franklin environment to be as suitable as possible for such work.

• Develop the scientific scope of the project, formulate relevant research questions, conduct individual research, analysing detailed and complex qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources, and generate original ideas by building on existing concepts.

• Work together with the surrounding facilities to ensure efficient protein production and chemistry at the Franklin and Harwell environment.

• Publish research articles in leading academic journals.

• Present findings at national and international meetings/conferences.

• Take a formal or informal role (as required) in the supervision of research students, including recruitment, mentorship and career development.

• Raise research funds through grant applications, and manage own area of a larger research budget.

• Participate in and support the public engagement and widening access activities of the Franklin.

• Any other duties that come up in the normal running of the facility and that can be reasonably requested of the post-holder.

In return we offer:

• 25 days holidays plus bank holidays and Christmas holiday shutdown
• Generous pension scheme (employer’s contribution currently up to 18%)
• Group Life Assurance (also known as Group Life Insurance or Death in Service)
• Hub building with state-of-the-art laboratories
• Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
• Bus pass discount scheme and good transport links to Oxford and surrounding areas
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to employee discount platform (Perkbox)
• Occupational Health and wellbeing support including Employee Assistance (24/7 support and counselling)
• Health Cash Plan
• Subsidised canteen and food outlets on campus
• Free on-site parking
• Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff

Before submitting your application please ensure you read the Job Information Pack for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment at the bottom of this page.

About us: The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a new national Research Centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology.

Location: The Franklin is based in Harwell Campus, UK’s innovation hub and well-established as one of the leading science and innovation campuses in Europe.

The Franklin’s underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it. For further information, view our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

At the Rosalind Franklin Institute we welcome applications from all around the world!

To be considered for this role, please send a CV and cover letter through explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. Please including information about your education and work experience.

Closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 7th April 2024; however, we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier if we find the right candidate.

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