Postdoctoral Research Associate

SMALP; Bath; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

SMALP in Bath seeks a postdoctoral researcher with a background in chemical biology, biochemistry, or molecular biology to contribute to an interdisciplinary project focused on intracellular peptide screening technologies and transcription factor function in mammalian cells.

You will design and perform experiments, analyze data, and work within an interdisciplinary team. The position includes full training and opportunities for publication and collaboration.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent research experience in biochemistry, chemical biology, molecular biology, organic chemistry or related field.
• Practical lab experience in molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, peptide chemistry or protein biochemistry.
• Experience designing, conducting and troubleshooting experiments with strong analytical skills.
• Interest in protein–protein interactions, transcriptional regulation and development of innovative molecular tools.
• Ability to work independently and contribute to an interdisciplinary team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills and ability to contribute to publications.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to development of intracellular peptide screening technologies.
• Design, execute and troubleshoot experiments related to transcription factor function.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team and communicate findings.
• Assist with preparation of publications and presentations.

Skills

Molecular biology

Mammalian cell culture

Peptide chemistry

Protein biochemistry

Experimental design

Data analysis

Education

PhD (completed or nearing completion) in Biochemistry/Chemical Biology/Molecular Biology or related

Tools

Luciferase reporter assays

RT-qPCR

Western blotting

Isothermal titration calorimetry

Circular dichroism

Job description

About the role

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher with a background in chemical biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related discipline to contribute to an interdisciplinary project developing intracellular peptide screening technologies to investigate transcription factor function in mammalian cells.

About you

• A PhD (completed or nearing completion) in biochemistry, chemical biology, molecular biology, organic chemistry or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant research experience.
• Practical laboratory experience in one or more of molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, peptide chemistry or protein biochemistry.
• Experience in designing, conducting and troubleshooting experiments, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• An interest in protein–protein interactions, transcriptional regulation and the development of innovative molecular tools.
• Ability to work independently, manage research activities effectively and contribute collaboratively to an interdisciplinary team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present research findings and contribute to scientific publications.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Experience in mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, transfection and the development of cell-based assays.
• Experience in genetically encoded peptide libraries, intracellular screening or reporter-based selection systems.
• Knowledge of peptide synthesis, peptide cyclisation, organic synthesis or chemical crosslinking.
• Familiarity with biochemical or biophysical techniques such as circular dichroism, fluorescence polarisation or isothermal titration calorimetry.
• Experience with luciferase reporter assays, Western blotting, RT-qPCR or related approaches to studying gene regulation.

We particularly welcome applicants who bring strong expertise in either molecular/cell biology or peptide chemistry and are interested in developing complementary skills. Full training and support will be available through our interdisciplinary research team.

Further information

This is a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term role with an expected duration of 12 months.

For an informal discussion regarding the role please contact Jody Mason at [e-mail].

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We’re very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

£39,560 to £46,970. Grade 7