Research Associate for biophysical and structural characterisation of NMD complexes

City of Bristol College; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Research Associate to study NMD complexes. The successful candidate will utilize state-of-the-art facilities to characterize the molecular mechanisms of NMD, contributing to significant research aimed at understanding neurodevelopmental disorders. This full-time position offers an inclusive and dynamic environment at a top UK University.

Benefits

Cutting-edge research environment

Collaboration with academic experts

Inclusive working atmosphere

Qualifications

• Dedication to collaborative research in an international team.
• Experience in cutting-edge protein science.
• Independence in driving research programs.

Responsibilities

• Characterise NMD factors biophysically and structurally.
• Determine structure and mechanism of NMD complexes.
• Utilize expertise in molecular biology and structural biology.

Skills

Baculovirus insect cell expression

Protein purification

Biophysics (MST, SPR, SEC, fluorescence anisotropy)

Cryo-EM and image processing

RNA-protein complexes

Translational control mechanisms

Education

PhD in Biochemistry or related field

Job description

Research Associate for biophysical and structural characterisation of NMD complexes

City of Bristol College

Barrow Gurney

GBP 30,000 - 45,000

Be among the first applicants.

4 days ago

Research Associate for biophysical and structural characterisation of NMD complexes

The Berger-Schaffitzel team is seeking to fill a Post-Doctoral Research Associate post at the School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, UK.

You will research complexes involved in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) with the aim to understand the molecular basis of NMD malfunction caused by UPF3B mutations which lead to neurodevelopmental disorders in the affected families. You will biophysically characterise the impact of UPF3B-disease causing mutations and solve cryo-EM structures of UPF3B in complex with other NMD factors.

You will benefit from the cutting-edge molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology and biophysics expertise and facilities in Bristol. Moreover, you will capitalize on our eukaryotic expression platform and synergize with academic collaborators. In addition, you will participate in a vibrant and dynamic, inclusive and equitable research environment in a laboratory developing and applying cutting-edge technology to generate new knowledge and biological insights in a top 10 UK University, in one of the best cities to live in the UK.

What will you be doing?

You will be part of a cutting-edge research team characterising NMD factors biophysically and structurally to understand the molecular mechanisms of early events that lead to the degradation of nonsense mRNAs. Showing a high degree of independence, you will drive an ambitious research programme to determine the structure and mechanism of NMD factor complexes.

For information about the Berger-Schaffitzel lab and our research activities please follow:

• Enjoy working on cutting-edge projects in protein science and structural biology
• Are a dedicated team player in an international, dynamic, diverse and equitable team
• Have experience with baculovirus insect cell expression and protein purification
• Have experience with biophysics (MST, SPR, SEC, fluorescence anisotropy)
• Have experience with cryo-EM and image processing
• Have experience with RNA-protein complexes
• Have a basic knowledge in translational control mechanisms

Contract type: Fixed term until 28/03/2026

Work pattern: Full-time

Grade: I

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Thursday 10th July 2025

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched ourstrategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

The Berger-Schaffitzel team is seeking to fill a Post-Doctoral Research Associate post at the School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, UK.

You will research complexes involved in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) with the aim to understand the molecular basis of NMD malfunction caused by UPF3B mutations which lead to neurodevelopmental disorders in the affected families. You will biophysically characterise the impact of UPF3B-disease causing mutations and solve cryo-EM structures of UPF3B in complex with other NMD factors.

You will benefit from the cutting-edge molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology and biophysics expertise and facilities in Bristol. Moreover, you will capitalize on our eukaryotic expression platform and synergize with academic collaborators. In addition, you will participate in a vibrant and dynamic, inclusive and equitable research environment in a laboratory developing and applying cutting-edge technology to generate new knowledge and biological insights in a top 10 UK University, in one of the best cities to live in the UK.

What will you be doing?

You will be part of a cutting-edge research team characterising NMD factors biophysically and structurally to understand the molecular mechanisms of early events that lead to the degradation of nonsense mRNAs. Showing a high degree of independence, you will drive an ambitious research programme to determine the structure and mechanism of NMD factor complexes.

For information about the Berger-Schaffitzel lab and our research activities please follow:

• Enjoy working on cutting-edge projects in protein science and structural biology
• Are a dedicated team player in an international, dynamic, diverse and equitable team
• Have experience with baculovirus insect cell expression and protein purification
• Have experience with biophysics (MST, SPR, SEC, fluorescence anisotropy)
• Have experience with cryo-EM and image processing
• Have experience with RNA-protein complexes
• Have a basic knowledge in translational control mechanisms

Contract type: Fixed term until 28/03/2026

Work pattern: Full-time

Grade: I

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Thursday 10th July 2025

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched ourstrategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.