Research Assistant in Structural Biology of Chromatin

Vacancy terms: Part-time (30 hours per week 0.8FTE) fixed term contract for nine months

Advert closes midnight on: 15 Feb 2023 

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a talented researcher to investigate fundamental questions of gene regulation and chromatin modifications. The post of Research Assistant is funded by the BBSRC to investigate the mechanism of histone H2B ubiquitylation in the promotion of euchromatic domains. The successful candidate will join a vibrant community with a strong focus on transcription and chromatin at the University of Leicester’s Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and will be based in the research group of Prof Thomas Schalch, which has a long-standing interest in structural and functional understanding of chromatin. The Research Assistant will be a member of the Leicester Institute for Structural and Chemical Biology (LISCB), a centre of research excellence initiated by the University of Leicester, which provides access to state-of-the-art integrated structural biology facilities comprising cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography and biomolecular nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). LISCB hosts a Titan Krios G3, 600 and 800 MHz Bruker NMR spectrometers with cryo-probes, a Rigaku X-ray diffraction system, multiple robotic systems for preparing crystal screens, excellent computer facilities and a range of HPLC and FPLC protein chromatography systems. Dedicated computing facilities and senior cryo-EM and computational experimental officers support the project.

Primary Supervisor: Prof Thomas Schalch, University of Leicester, UK

About you

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in protein expression in bacteria and insect cells, protein purification, biochemical characterization and knowledge of cryo-EM structural analysis. A high level of proficiency in English and excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential requirements for this position.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Prof Thomas Schalch on thomas.schalch@leicester.ac.uk.  

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

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