Research Fellow in Computational Biophysics

This new and exciting position is funded by the BBSRC and will enable us to study one of the cortex lytic enzymes, SleB.  Bacterial spores are among the most pernicious cells in nature. Formed as survival structures in response to nutrient starvation, their ubiquity and extreme resistance to heat and other stress factors that would ordinarily kill vegetative cells means they are difficult to eradicate. This presents problems in the food sector, for example, since spores can survive processing and then germinate and proliferate, resulting in spoilage or toxigenesis. SleB is somehow held in an inactive state during spore dormancy and can withstand whatever insults are thrown at the spore during that period, before rapidly assuming activity during spore germination. Building a detailed molecular and dynamic understanding of SleB activity in dormant and germinating spores, which will complement the available structural and functional data, will present new routes to improved control of spores.

You will use modelling and simulation tools to perform molecular dynamics simulations of SleB and of some of its partner proteins in complex model membranes. These simulations will enable us to answer key questions about SleB function. You will work in the group of Dr Antreas Kalli at the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM), and the work will involve close and interactive collaboration with the group of Dr Graham Cristie at the University of Cambridge who will evaluate the models derived from the computational work.

If you are looking for a role that will provide new knowledge on a very important membrane protein, apply today.

As Research Fellow your main duties will include:

• Working with and in support of this research grant to ensure the project is successfully completed;
• Performing and analysing the molecular modelling and molecular dynamics simulations of the SleB and some of  its partner proteins to meet the main aims of the study;
• Generating and pursuing original research ideas in the appropriate subject area;
• Developing research objectives and proposals and contributing to setting the direction of the research project and team including, where appropriate preparing proposals for funding in collaboration with colleagues; 
• Evaluating methods and techniques used and results obtained by other researchers and to relate such evaluations appropriately to your own work;
• Communicating or presenting research results through publication or other recognised forms of output; 
• Preparing papers for publication in leading international journals and independently writing reports;
• Collaborating effectively with our experimental collaborators at the University of Cambridge and with other research groups within Leeds and elsewhere to ensure the production of robust and high quality research;
• Working both independently and also as part of a larger team of researchers, engaging in knowledge-transfer activities where appropriate and feasible;
• Maintaining your own continuing professional development and acting as a mentor to less experienced colleagues as appropriate;
• Contributing to the research culture of the School, where appropriate;
• Contributing to the training of both undergraduate and postgraduate students, where appropriate, including assisting with the supervision of projects in areas relevant to the project. 

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr Antreas Kalli, Associate Professor

Email: a.kalli@leeds.ac.uk

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