Graduate Research Assistant - Protein Library Lead

Exeter; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Maternity/adoption leave up to 26 wks

Shared parental leave

Paternity leave up to 6 wks

Beautiful campus in Devon

Job summary

University of Exeter is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant to join the HLS Biosciences Living Systems Institute. The role focuses on constructing designed protein libraries and studying the structural dynamics of allosteric proteins.

The successful candidate will publish work, present at conferences, and contribute to teaching in a laboratory setting, with flexible working arrangements possible.

Qualifications

• Educated to first degree level or equivalent in a related field.
• Ability to lead molecular biology and protein production tasks.
• Familiarity with HDX-MS or related protein characterization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead construction of designed protein libraries and characterize their structural dynamics.
• Publish research work and present at conferences as required.
• Collaborate with colleagues and support teaching in a lab setting.
• Communicate complex information clearly in writing and verbally.

Skills

Molecular biology

Protein production

HDX-MS

Research planning

Education

First degree or equivalent in related field

Tools

HDX-MS instruments

Job description

About The Role

Graduate Research Assistant

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

This full-time post is available immediately until 30/09/2029.

This post is offered as a fixed term contract and is funded by the UKRI until 30/09/2029.

In line with the University’s fair employment for all principles, any further funding opportunities identified will be reviewed and discussed during the contract.

The starting salary will be from £34,630 to £36,320 on Grade E, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.

Flexible working (e.g. caring responsibilities) can be accommodated in this role.

The Role

HLS Biosciences Living Systems Institute

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Graduate Research Associate to support the work of Dr Jonathan Phillips. The successful applicant will The role is to lead the construction of designed protein libraries and characterise the structural dynamics of allosteric proteins.

The post will include:

1. To undertake research as appropriate to the field of study including:
   • Writing up research work for publication;
   • Making oral and poster presentations at national and international conferences and similar events;
   • Dealing with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines;
   • Analysing and interpreting the results of own research and generating original ideas based on outcomes;
   • Using established research techniques and methods and helping to advance new ones;
2. To contribute to research-led teaching in a laboratory setting and to be involved in the assessment of student knowledge including assisting in the supervision of student projects and in the development of student research skills.
3. To work in collaboration with colleagues as appropriate to the field of study including:
   • Contributing to collaborative decision making within the research group;
   • Contributing to the production of collaborative research reports and publications.
   • Preparing papers and presenting information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research, e.g. steering groups.
4. To communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically.
5. To use research resources, laboratories and workshops as appropriate and to take responsibility for reducing hazards and for the health and safety of others. Where appropriate, will also be responsible for conducting risk assessments.
6. To engage in continuous professional development and to be responsible for continually updating knowledge and understanding in field of study or specialism and for developing skills.

About You

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will be educated to first degree level or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study or equivalent experience and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to lead molecular biology and protein production tasks for protein library construction, as well as perform HDX-MS.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

Further information

Please contact Dr Jonathan Phillips, [e-mail]

About Us

Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future

Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russell Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

What we can offer you:

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;
• Support teams that understand the University wide teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly;
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development;
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supports high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career;
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy;
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/Cornwall.

How we can help

If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at [e-mail]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.