Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed term)

We are seeking a Research Associate/Fellow to join a multi-disciplinary project funded by the BBSRC to explore the metabolic diversity of engineered fungal non-ribosomal peptide synthetase-like enzymes for the development of novel antibiotics. The project aim is to use structural information in combination with molecular modelling, protein engineering and metabolite profiling to generate novel compounds that will be tested for their anti-mycobacterial activity for future drug development. 

The role holder will be involved in crystallographic data collection at synchrotrons, data processing, structure determination and interpretation, structure prediction and molecular modelling in order to rationalise the enzymatic mechanism and substrate specificity to ultimately suggest mutations that can modulate the enzymes. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research team at the School of Pharmacy (Ingrid Dreveny, Charles Laughton) in close collaboration with the School of Life Sciences (Matthias Brock; overall project lead) and School of Chemistry (Neil Thomas).

Candidates should have or be close to completion of a PhD in a discipline relevant to the project such as computational chemistry, protein crystallography or molecular modelling. Past experience of molecular modelling and aspects of computational crystallography is essential. A knowledge of protein structure prediction and validation, molecular dynamics simulations, and QM/MM modelling methods would be desirable. The candidate will be required to undertake research and day-to-day management of this research project, requiring a high degree of time management and organisational skills, competence and precision in results generation and data analysis. An aptitude for critical thinking, accurate record keeping and a flexible approach to collaborative research is vital.

This position is offered on a fixed term contract for 18 months. Hours are full time (36.25 hours per week). Job share arrangements may be considered.

Our University has always been a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We warmly welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. We welcome applications from UK, Europe and from across the globe. For more information on the support we offer our international colleagues visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/jobs/applyingfromoverseas/index2.aspx

We pride ourselves on the collegial and supportive culture created by our staff. We are dedicated to creating an environment which enables both our staff to thrive and achieve their potential. Our commitment to Equality and Diversity has been recognised in the awarding of an Athena SWAN Silver Award. 

Informal enquiries can be addressed to Prof Charles Laughton (charles.laughton@nottingham.ac.uk) or Dr Ingrid Dreveny (ingrid.dreveny@nottingham.ac.uk). Please note that applications sent directly to an email address will not be accepted.

Further details:

Our University is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We warmly welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. We welcome applications from UK, Europe and from across the globe. For more information on the support we offer our international colleagues, see our Moving to Nottingham pages.

For successful international applicants, we provide financial support for your visa and the immigration health surcharge, plus an interest-free loan to help cover the cost of immigration-related expenses for any dependants accompanying you to the UK. For more information please see the our webpage on Financial support for visas and the immigration health surcharge.

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