Research Associate

King's College London; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative academic institution is seeking a dedicated postdoctoral researcher to join an exciting ERC project focused on designing and biosynthesizing metalloenzymes. This role offers the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research at the intersection of chemistry and biomedicine. Successful candidates will have a strong background in enzyme preparation, organic synthesis, and biophysical characterization techniques. Join a vibrant team that values diversity and fosters an inclusive environment, where your contributions will help advance groundbreaking research in the field of chemistry.

Qualifications

• PhD qualified in a relevant subject area with vast experience in enzyme preparation.
• Experience in biophysical characterization and electrochemical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design and biosynthesize metalloenzymes as part of an ERC project.
• Use organic synthesis for small molecules in electrode surface functionalization.

Skills

Enzyme preparation using recombinant methods

Organic chemical synthesis

Biophysical characterization of enzyme proteins

Electrochemical characterization of biological redox molecules

Wet Chemistry lab work

Surface preparation of molecular thin films

Analytical accuracy

Independent motivation in research activities

Laboratory management and supervision

Collaboration and teamwork

Education

PhD in relevant subject area

Tools

CD spectroscopy

IR spectroscopy

NMR spectroscopy

Job description

About us

Our contemporary Chemistry Department, based in the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences, provides an exciting place to explore the boundaries of the subject. The Department champions the discipline of Chemistry across King's, leading with its own research and teaching, and encourages close interdisciplinary collaborations.

Our PGT and UG programmes have been designed to impart a rigorous theoretical and experimental understanding of chemistry, delivered within the context of biomedical applications. We strive to provide students with a thorough chemical education plus a perspective on, and experience of, diverse practical applications of chemistry that lays down a basis for a flexible, interesting career, particularly at the interface of chemistry and biomedicine.

About the role

The postdoctoral position will be an integrative part of an exciting ERC project dedicated to design and biosynthesize a series of metalloenzymes as the central target of the last WP3 of the ERC project. The postdoc will have to also use organic synthesis to generate small molecules for electrode surface functionalisation.

We are seeking highly motivated postdoctoral candidates willing to fully commit to an exciting, cutting-edge project. The skills we are looking for are, but not limited to:

1. Preparation of enzymes using recombinant methods; synthesis, purification and modification.
2. Experience in organic chemical synthesis.
3. Biophysical characterization of enzyme proteins, use of CD, IR, NMR, etc.
4. Experience in electrochemical characterization of biological redox molecules.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience.

Essential criteria

1. PhD qualified in relevant subject area (or pending results)
2. Vast experience in enzyme preparation
3. Use of biophysical characterization approaches
4. Surface preparation of molecular thin films and electrochemistry.
5. Evidence of independent motivation in the formulation, planning and implementation of research activities
6. Wet Chemistry lab work with analytical accuracy
7. Managing laboratory experience including supervision of junior researchers and research students
8. Ability to work independently and as a collaborative team member to meet project deadlines

Desirable criteria

1. Experience in basic molecular structure modelling.
2. Experience in the use of surface analysis techniques

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.