Postdoctoral Research Associate in Metal Traps for Microbial Metal Sensing

The Role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbial Metal Sensing. The research project is lead by Dr. Peter Chivers, as part of the BBSRC-funded . The project will focus on developing and calibrating new protein sensors of cytosolic metal availability, which underpin the “metalation calculator”, and expand their applications to different microbes. The work at Durham will support ELEMENTAL Hub partner activities at the University of Manchester and Quadram Institute.

The project will involve a range of experimental methods including protein overexpression and purification using native and affinity-tagged proteins, biophysical analysis of metal-protein interactions (eg affinity determination by competition assays), and protein metal content analysis (ICP-MS). Protein overexpression and purification (using untagged constructs) will be used to enable biophysical analysis of metal-protein interactions. A strong background in metalloprotein characterization is expected for this role. Periodic joint meetings between academic partners will be a key part of meeting project goals and outcomes.

Key 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 12 months from the successful candidates start date.

There is a possibility of an extension based on further funding availability.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1st July 2025.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

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