Research Assistant - Laboratory automation and biomolecular production (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

Applications are invited for an exciting opportunity to join the Sormanni Lab at the Chemistry of Health, to assist in multidisciplinary projects related to computational design and laboratory characterization of antibodies and corresponding targets.

The main objective of this role is to develop and deploy novel protocols for liquid handling robots to streamline and increase the throughput of the antibody cloning, expression, and characterisation platform implemented in the lab. This is an interdisciplinary project that blends computational work for programming the robots with hands-on laboratory work for protein expression and characterization.

The main responsibilities include

- Developing and testing protocols for liquid-handling robots.

- Design of expression plasmids, gene sequences, oligonucleotides, and perform the corresponding molecular biology (e.g., cloning, mutagenesis, etc.).

- Recombinant expression and purification of antibodies and other proteins, using bacteria, yeast, or mammalian expression systems.

- Assist in routine maintenance of laboratory (e.g., procurement, maintenance of equipment, organisation of reagents and DNA/protein stocks).

- Prepare short reports, evaluate results, improve experimental procedures.

- Active engagement in personal and professional development.

This position offers the opportunity to develop skills that are highly sought-after by both academia and industry. The post holder will be an active member of a group conducing both fundamental and translational research, using technologies ranging from artificial intelligence to in vitro library construction and screening (learn more: https://www.ch.cam.ac.uk/group/sormanni).

The post holder must have

- At least a BSc degree (or equivalent) in the biosciences, or similar field.

- Some knowledge of the Python programming language.

- Some experience with recombinant protein expression and purification.

- Strong capability for learning new skills and techniques.

- Excellent time management and organisational skills.

- The ability to work independently and effectively within highly multidisciplinary teams.

- The ability to present results and progress concisely both to specialized and non-specialized audiences.

The post will be available from 1st of June 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

To apply, please upload your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability and motivations for taking up this post, including your list of publications and contact details for three professional referees.

For queries relating to your application or the application process, please contact Dr Pietro Sormanni (email: ps589@cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference MA41195 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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