Research Fellow in Integrative Structural Biology

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full Time, Fixed Term contract for up to 3 years (2 posts)

Research Fellow

The research group studies the functional mechanisms of proteins, nucleic acids and their complexes by integrative structural biology. The laboratory uses and develops high-field NMR spectroscopy methods as major structural biology tool, in combination with several other techniques. The Research Fellow will work in one of the following fields: RNA metabolism, regulation of gene expression, DNA repair, signalling. The post holder will use NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and/or Electron Microscopy, as well as Mass Spectrometry and Small Angle Scattering, to study the structure of protein–protein or protein–nucleic acids complexes and discover the mechanisms of their function and regulation. There are opportunities to develop new approaches to integrative structural biology with the combination of the techniques mentioned above. In addition, the Research Fellow will use molecular biology, biophysical and biochemical techniques to characterize biomolecular complexes and their activity in vitro and cellular biology approaches to verify the functional mechanisms in vivo.

We are a group of highly motivated structural biologists with an interdisciplinary, international background. We offer a first-class research environment with state-of-the-art equipment in molecular biology and biochemistry and the best equipped biomolecular NMR facility in the UK (comprising 1000, 900 and 800 MHz spectrometers equipped with cryoprobes and MAS probes for both solution- and solid-state NMR spectroscopy). Excellent EM instrumentation is available at the Midlands Regional Cryo Electron Microscope Facility in Leicester.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Set research goals and manage the project
• Plan experimental and analysis steps in the project
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation and literature reviews
• Analyse and interpret research data
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
• Propose new research approaches to benefit the project
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research

Skills and Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience:

• PhD (or near to completion) in Biophysics/ Biochemistry/ Chemical Biology/ Structural Biology or related areas. Or, equivalent qualifications.
• Proficiency in either biomolecular NMR spectroscopy or single-particle electron microscopy, both in data acquisition and analysis.
• Practical experience in a biochemical laboratory and/or handling nucleic acids
• Excellent analytical skills
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Willingness to work in a competitive, international environment.

For further information please contact Professor Teresa Carlomagno, T.Carlomagno@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply Online button above or visit our careers website; https://edzz.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_6001/job/503/?utm_medium=jobshare, please quote Job Ref 99197 in all enquiries. 

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment 

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working. 

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