Senior Research Officer

The School of Life Sciences are seeking an experienced molecular biologist to perform research aligned with a recently awarded Office of Naval Research (ONR) grant, “An In Vitro Model for Barnacle Cyprid Cementation”. The focus will be on recombinant production and characterisation of three barnacle cement proteins. These three proteins are used by barnacles to attach permanently to surfaces underwater, and greater knowledge of the adhesion mechanism will inspire new synthetic bioadhesives and antifouling coatings, which prevent barnacle adhesion. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary collaboration of molecular biologists and environmental scientists in a cutting-edge laboratory research project.

Duties of the post
The researcher in this post will deliver the research objectives defined by the ONR grant and research project. You will develop an experimental pipeline to deliver recombinant barnacle cement proteins using a mammalian expression system, including gene design, bioinformatics, DNA cloning, stable cell line construction, large-scale growth of mammalian cells in a bioreactor and protein purification. You will use specified characterisation techniques, including fluorescence assays and immunohistochemistry, to demonstrate activity and purity of recombinantly-produced proteins.

You will undertake or manage practical elements of research such as setting up and conducting experiments, conducting fieldwork, analysing data and engaging in individual and/or collaborative research activities resulting in internationally excellent publications that is in keeping with Research Excellence Framework (REF) criteria.

Skills and qualifications required
The successful candidate will hold a relevant doctoral level degree in biological sciences, or equivalent professional experience or practice.

The University of Essex is a campus based University and all academic appointments are made with the expectation that you will be present on campus to fulfil the requirements of your position. At the time of a job offer, the possibility of hybrid working, will be discussed and considered on an individual basis, but you will be required to be based within the UK.

As part of the process and to be successful you will be required to demonstrate how you your research has been impactful within and beyond the academic sphere, recognising the importance of this and the effect it will have on the University.

Please see the job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please contact resourcing@essex.ac.uk.

*More information: Working at the University

Please use the 'Apply' button to read further information about this role including the full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role. You will also find details of how to make your application here.

Our website http://www.essex.ac.uk contains more information about the University of Essex. If you have a disability and would like information in a different format, please email resourcing@essex.ac.uk.

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