Postdoctoral Research Associate in Discovery and Characterization of Exotic DNA Topoisomerases as Therapeutic Targets

The Role

The newly established Centre for Programmable Biological Matter, led by Professor Jonathan Heddle is a large, multidisciplinary and well-equipped laboratory. We are developing new capabilities aimed at understanding, designing, and building biological nanomachines. Our vision is grand, and we hope our research will lead to break throughs in new materials and therapeutics. These will all be biocompatible, biodegradable and highly sustainable. We are currently recruiting a large number of people to our growing team including several Postdoctoral Research Associates (PDRA).

You will be the lead researcher on a project that aims to solve the problem of producing and characterisation of “exotic” DNA gyrases which have never been characterized but which may offer useful targets for new therapeutics in a number of severe diseases. You will also make use of the characteristics of these enzymes as components of designed biological nanomachine systems.

This Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in this laboratory, with an expected start date of 1st March 2024 for 54 months.

Responsibilities:

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.

This post is fixed term for 54 Months, funding is available until the 31st August 2028.

Contact Information

For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Professor Jonathan Heddle

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