Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; In loco; GBP 34.000 - 50.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

The University of Cambridge's Cambridge Institute for Medical Research invites applications for a full-time, fixed-term 6-month position to produce high-quality purified TRAg proteins for structural and functional studies. The successful candidate will work in HEK293F mammalian expression systems and contribute to collaborative papers with the Rayner and Deane laboratories.

Applicants should have demonstrable experience in protein expression, X-ray crystallography of protein-ligand complexes,

Competenze

• Experience expressing proteins in HEK293F based mammalian systems.
• Proven track record in protein structure determination by X-ray crystallography.
• Experience with biophysical binding assays (BLI/ITC).

Mansioni

• Produce high-quality purified TRAg proteins for structural studies.
• Characterize protein interactions using BLI/ITC.
• Collaborate with CIMR teams and train others as needed.
• Contribute to collaborative papers from the project outputs.

Conoscenze

Protein expression

X-ray crystallography

Biophysical characterisation

Biolayer interferometry

ITC

Molecular biology techniques

Cloning and mutagenesis

Computational modelling

Formazione

PhD in Biochemistry / Structural Biology

Strumenti

HEK293F expression system

X-ray crystallography instrumentation

Biolayer interferometry

Isothermal titration calorimetry

Descrizione del lavoro

The project builds on a recent publication that established that these tryptophan-rich antigens (TRAgs) have lipid binding activity (PMID: 37709739). This is a short-term position to produce high-quality purified TRAg proteins for structural and functional studies. It will be absolutely essential that the successful candidate has demonstrable experience in: protein expression using HEK293F-based mammalian expression systems; structure determination including X-ray crystallography of protein-ligand complexes; and biophysical characterisation of protein interactions such as using biolayer interferometry or isothermal titration calorimetry. Additional desirable skills include computational modelling of protein complexes and protein-ligand complexes as well as experience with molecular biology approaches for cloning and mutagenesis of new expression constructs. An understanding of how pathogens hijack host-cell pathways will also be advantageous. The successful applicant will also have
demonstrated their capacity to produce high-quality data by having first author peer-reviewed publications.
The primary focus will be on carrying out outstanding academic research which will contribute directly to collaborative papers. The project provides substantial scope for innovation, creativity and exercising scientific judgement. You will work as part of a vibrant interdisciplinary team with colleagues in both the Rayner and Deane laboratories in the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research. You are expected to contribute to that positive team environment, supporting and training others where needed and working together to create the best possible outputs within the time available.
The Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) is located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and it is a collaborative institute at the interface between fundamental research and the clinic, with a mission to determine the molecular mechanisms of disease in order to advance human health.
This full-time fixed-term post is available for 6 months from start date.
Informal enquiries to Janet Deane