Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) funded post-doctoral position in Dr Graham Christie's lab within the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.

The project will combine protein crystallography with in vivo microbiological analyses to yield insight to the molecular mechanisms that regulate the activity of the major peptidoglycan lysin involved in Bacillus spp. spore germination (https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.001591). Crystallography will additionally be used to conduct high-throughput fragment-based screens aimed at establishing whether the lysin of interest is ligandable and therefore potentially amenable to structure-led inhibition. 

The appointed PDRA will also liaise closely with a second PDRA working under the supervision of Dr Antreas Kali at the University of Leeds whose objective is to conduct Molecular Dynamics simulations aimed at examining structural changes to protein complexes of interest during spore germination. The Cambridge PDRA will then test the MD predictions by site-directed mutagenesis and in vivo functional analyses. 

Applicants should hold a PhD in molecular microbiology or structural biology. Expertise in molecular cloning and recombinant protein expression/purification is essential. Experience in protein crystallography or related structural biology disciplines is highly desirable although there is scope for training in this regard. The candidate must value teamwork and collaboration, have good administrative and interpersonal skills, and high computer literacy in relation to the use of bioinformatics and structural biology tools. 

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD; those without a PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded. 

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance. 

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

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Mr Vito Candela, HR Administrator, at hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk.

Applications closing date 3rd of October 2025.

Please quote reference NQ47252 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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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