Research Assistant

University of Cambridge Vet School; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious UK university is seeking a Research Assistant/Research Associate for a short-term project in protein engineering. This role involves optimizing a Bst polymerase fusion protein, developing testing protocols for microbial contaminants, and potentially conducting field trials in the UK. Ideal candidates will have a PhD or at least 3 years of relevant experience, with strong expertise in nucleic acid testing and molecular biology. Appointment is initially for three months with the possibility of extension based on funding.

Qualifications

• Expert in engineering of proteins.
• Proficient in nucleic acid testing.
• Strong understanding of laboratory techniques.

Responsibilities

• Optimise and adjust the designed Bst polymerase fusion protein.
• Build the fusion constructs.
• Develop testing protocols for microbial contaminants.
• Undertake field trials at UK sites if time allows.

Skills

Protein engineering

Nucleic acid testing

Molecular biology

Education

PhD in a relevant area

At least 3 years of experience

Job description

Overview

Short Term Position (3 months Full time/part time) in Protein Engineering Applications are invited for a Research Assistant/Research Associate to work with Professor Lisa Hall on a project entitled HANDI-NAT: Nucleic acid amplification of microbial load in drinking water supply- a project funded by the Leverhulme Trust, designing a self-reporting Bst polymerase for use in Loop Mediated Nucleic Acid Amplification (LAMP). The project will be undertaken together with Professor Alex Routh‿s group in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.

The project seeks to design a field-useable low-cost nucleic acid test for microbial load in community drinking water supplies in low and middle income countries (LMICs). It addresses the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goal identifying water inequality as a priority to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for allâ€.

Responsibilities

• To optimise and adjust (as required) the designed Bst polymerase fusion protein.
• Build the fusion constructs
• Develop the testing protocol to establish detection limits for some model microbial contaminants.
• If time allows: Undertake some field trials at UK based sites of environmental interest, prior to delivering the system to collaborators in LMICs

Qualifications

• Candidates should be expert in engineering of proteins and proficient in nucleic acid testing and molecular biology.
• They should have a PhD or at least 3 years experience in a relevant area, with a strong underpinning understanding and laboratory expertise in the enabling techniques.

Term

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 months in the first instance.

How to apply

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD; those without a PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Reference

Please quote reference NQ48650 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Equality and eligibility

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.