Research Assistant/Research Associate in Structural Enzymology

Company description:

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Salary:

Research Assistant: £31,396 to £32,982 per annum

Research Associate: £33,966 to £36,024 per annum

Job description:

The Role

The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated Research Assistant or Research Associate to join the laboratory of Professor Paul Race. This position is based within the Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Group, at Newcastle University.

The Diels-Alder reaction is one of the most effective methods for the synthesis of substituted cyclohexenes and is considered the prototypical pericyclic reaction. Despite its unquestionable usefulness, detrimental features include general requirements for harsh reaction conditions (heat, pressure, metal catalysts) and may lead to mixtures of products. These complexities have fuelled recent efforts focused on the discovery and development of protein catalysts for this reaction, which hold promise in offering stereoselective 'green' routes to cyclohexenes at room temperature and pressure. This project will combine protein X-ray crystallography with biophysical and biochemical methods to characterise natural Diels-Alderases and explore their utility in the (bio)synthesis of pharmaceutical lead compounds. You will work in close collaboration with researchers based at the University of Bristol and at our industrial partner AstraZeneca, in realising the potential of Diel-Alder biocatalysts.

The Race lab embraces a diverse, inclusive, and sympathetic research culture. The lab provides an exceptional setting in which to carry out the proposed research project and benefits from multiple national, international and industrial collaborations, which add significant value to our research activity. You will be based in shared laboratory space with other members of the Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Group, ensuring a stimulating and supportive work environment.

You will be encouraged to engage with a plethora of School and Faculty level Early Career Researcher initiatives and will be made aware of access to the University Wellbeing & Support Services. Moreover, Newcastle University provides several training and development courses that you will have the opportunity to undertake.

This post is full time, fixed term for a period of 33.4 months, with a start date of around May 2024.

For informal enquiries contact: paul.race1@newcastle.ac.uk

To apply, please upload your CV and a letter of application that outlines how you can evidence the knowledge, skills and experience requirements in the person specification.

For more information about the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences please click here.

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