Research Assistant

Vacancy terms: Part-time (0.8FTE, 30 hours per week), fixed term contract until 31 December 2027

Hours per week: 30

About the role

This research is a collaborative project between the Schwabe and Markaki groups and funded by the BBSRC to study the structure and function of proteins and protein complexes that are involved in the inactivation of the X-chromosome.

The Schwabe group is looking for a Research Assistant with experience of using a wide range of biochemical and biophysical techniques. These include the expression & purification of proteins from E. coli, expression & purification of large multi-protein protein complexes from mammalian cells, Cryo-Electron Microscopy, NMR and crystallography.

The group is part of the Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology (LISCB), one of five flagship research institutes recently established by the University of Leicester, UK. We have excellent access to state-of-the-art structural biology technologies including an in house Krios cryo-EM microscope equipped with Falcon 3EC and GATAN K3 detector as well as the Diamond and ESRF Synchrotrons.

About you

The successful candidate will have an honours degree and relevant experience in Structural Biology. This role requires experience of expression of large multi-protein complexes in mammalian cells, expression of histone proteins, techniques involved in chromatin preparation and analysis of protein structure using cryo-EM, NMR and crystallography. Interest and enthusiasm for working in the field of Structural Biology is essential. You will have practical experience and knowledge of applying your research skills, an ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and an ability to prioritise tasks within agreed work schedules.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Professor John Schwabe on js336@leicester.ac.uk

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive. 

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Advert closes midnight on: 15 July 2025

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