Research Associate

Vacancy terms: Fixed term for 11 months

Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

This post, funded by the Wellcome Trust, is for a skilled postdoctoral researcher to join an established, successful research team. The aim of our research is to explore the structure and function of large histone deacetylase containing repression complexes.

The project involves studying the interaction of the repressive transcription factor BACH1 with class I HDAC complexes containing HDAC1, HDAC1 and HDAC3. The project will also investigate the role of heme binding on the interaction.

The Schwabe group is looking for a Research Associate with experience of using a wide range of biochemical and biophysical techniques. These include the expression and purification of protein complexes from E. coli and expression and purification of large multi-protein protein complexes from mammalian cells. Experience of Cryo-EM, NMR and Crystallography is essential. Electromobility Shift assays and Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy will be used to monitor DNA binding.

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 a PhD in Structural Biology. This role requires: experience of expression of large multi-protein complexes in mammalian cells; expression of protein complexes in E. coli; analysis of protein structure using NMR, Crystallography and Cryo Electron Microscopy; experience of biophysical techniques to monitor DNA and heme binding; interest and enthusiasm for working in the field of Structural Biology of HDAC complexes and BACH1. You will have a proven track record in conducting high quality research, an ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and experience of supervising undergraduate and MSc student projects.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Prof. John Schwabe on john.schwabe@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 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: 13 August 2026

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