Research Associate

Job Description

We seek a talented, highly motivated and independent Postdoctoral Research Associate (fixed-term) to study antibody structure and function at King's College London. Work will be carried out in the laboratory of Professor James McDonnell in the Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics within the Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine at King’s College London. This full-time fixed term post is part of a joint programme with industrial collaborator Apollo Therapeutics. The successful applicant will join an interdisciplinary team studying the structure, molecular interactions and functions of antibodies. 

The Researcher will be part of a team using structure-based methods to develop novel inhibitory agents of antibodies. Successful applicants will have experience in X-ray crystallographic studies of proteins and protein complexes. Structural methods will be a core component of this research project, and these approaches will be complemented by biochemical and biophysical experiments.

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor James McDonnell (james.mcdonnell@kcl.ac.uk).

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 1 year starting on 1st June 2024.

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent.

Key Responsibilities

1. Protein crystallography and protein structure determination 
2. Protein production and characterisation
3. Molecular interaction analyses using, for example, surface plasmon resonance, and isothermal titration calorimetry.
4. Project management and supervision
5. Must be able to work as part of a multidisciplinary team 
6. Must be able to undertake both independent and collaborative research 
7. Creative problem solving
8. Strong leadership and communication skills
9. Communication of research findings 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria

1. A PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry or related area
2. Experience in X-ray crystallography
3. Experience in structure determination of proteins and protein complexes
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
5. A track record of success and competence
6. The ability to work independently and collaboratively

Desirable criteria

1. Knowledge of biophysical and biochemical analytical techniques
2. Experience in molecular biology, protein production and purification

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Closing date: 6^th May 2024

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