Job Responsibilities

Responsibilities • Design of new constructs and expression of proteins, the production of proteins and optimisation of protein crystals for time-resolved crystallography experiments. • Responsible for the design and development of biochemical assays and to carry out biophysical analyses for the evaluation of time-resolved crystallography experiments. • Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate, and adapt existing and develop new synthetic techniques and synthetic methodology. • Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines • Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols • Contribute ideas for new research projects • Develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals to senior researchers • Undertake comprehensive and systematic literature reviews and write up the results for publication in peer-reviewed journals • Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters • Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment • Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques • Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone • Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups • Actively participate in journal club meetings • PDRAs may be required to teach, this may include lecturing, small-group teaching, and tutoring of undergraduates and graduate students.

Job Description

Selection criteria Essential selection criteria • Hold or be close to completion of a PhD in Biochemistry or a related area • Have extensive expertise in protein crystallography and biochemical assay development; experience of mass spectrometry based assays and biophysical methods is desirable. • Be able to demonstrate competence and success in the thesis research area (and postdoctoral work if appropriate), e.g. as judged by publications (or papers in press) in high quality peer reviewed journals. Evidence will be sought of a deep understanding of the applicant's previous fields of research and evidence of independent intellectual and practical contributions to previous research projects, as indicators that such attributes can be brought to bear on the present project. • Be viewed as a motivated, enthusiastic, organised self-starter; one who can work with a minimum of supervision but at the same time extract the benefits of an excellent research environment. • Have an excellent general knowledge of related areas through reading of the literature, online database searching, and attendance at seminars and conferences. • Be willing to learn new techniques and apply them in an interdisciplinary research environment. Be willing to participate in group journal clubs and workshops as a means to continuously improve technical and theoretical knowledge. • Communicate well in English in writing and in oral and visual presentations. • Be able to keep detailed laboratory records and report on progress at regular intervals. • Show an ability to work supportively in a laboratory environment, and to supervise and educate junior co-workers and take part in joint projects through co-operation and the exchange of information, skills and reagents. • Be willing to play a role in keeping the laboratory running by assuming a share of group responsibilities

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