Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,396 to £33,966 with potential progression once in post to £38,205
Grade 6
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to 31 st August 2025
Closing date: 12 th July 2024
Background
To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking cell-uptake and functional analyses on peptidomimetic inhibitors of client/Aurora A interactions.
Role Summary
The role has arisen as a consequence of the award of a BBSRC sLoLa award (SPIDR) to Prof Andrew Wilson (University of Birmingham).
The purpose of the role is: (i) to assist Prof Wilson and Dr Chiara Arno in developing cell permeable peptidomimetic inhibitors of the interaction between the Aurora A kinase and its regulatory clients; (ii) to assist Professor Wilson in running and maintaining a research laboratory, (iii) to facilitate collaboration with wider members of the SPIDR team at the Universities of Leeds and Oxford.
The role is available for 12 months.
Main Duties
The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.
Work in close collaboration with a senior research associate in the Wilson group and as part of a larger team of researchers to design, plan and conduct a programme of investigation in consultation Prof Andrew Wilson, using appropriate methods to analyse and interpret research data,
Performing analyses of cell-uptake behaviour of peptidomimetic protein-protein interaction inhibitor candidates using confocal imaging, alongside functional assays (e.g. toxicity analyses);
Support the acquisition of biochemical and biophysical assay data e.g. by performing protein expression and/or carrying out fluorescence anisotropy competition assays;
Assist Prof Wilson in the dissemination of research results by contributing to publication in leading peer-reviewed journals, and, by presentation at national and international;
To support the running of the Wilson group’s research activities and communication, through participation at group meetings/seminars, contributing to the supervision of junior researchers and PhD students and acting as a mentor to less experienced colleagues;
To support ongoing collaborations with relevant researcher groups including Richard Bayliss and Megan Wright (University of Leeds) and Fanni Gergely (University of Oxford).
To contribute to, and to encourage, a safe working environment.
Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification
Essential:
A masters level degree in chemical biology or relevant allied discipline;
Practical experience of cell culture and confocal microscopy;
Practical experience in functional cell-based assays, e.g. MTS, reporter gene, Western Blot;
The ability to write up research independently, together with the ability to contribute to peer reviewed publications in international journals;
Excellent communication skills.
A proven ability to work under supervision and as part of a team, with a strong commitment to research in a team environment;
Good organisational time management and planning skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines, manage competing demands and work effectively under pressure without close support;
Ability to assess resource requirements, use resources effectively and contribute to broader laboratory management;
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
Desirable:
A PhD degree.
Experience in the analyses of cell-uptake of synthetic compounds e.g. peptides;
Practical experience of protein expression and purification;
Experience of biophysical/biochemical assays to assess functional effects of inhibitor candidates;
Further particulars can be found here
Informal enquiries to Professor Andy Wilson, email: [email protected]
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. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Research and Other
Industries
Higher Education
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at University of Birmingham by 2x