Research Associate (Protein Engineering)

Cardiff University; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in the UK is seeking a researcher in protein design and engineering to join the Molecular Biosciences division. This role involves conducting vital research on protein self-association, publishing findings, and collaborating with other researchers. Candidates should hold a PhD in a related field and have expertise in protein molecular structure and engineering. This full-time position is funded until February 2026, offering a competitive salary and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Living wage supporter

Opportunities for progression

Qualifications

• PhD level degree or nearing completion in relevant field.
• Established expertise in protein design and molecular analysis.
• Experience with fluorescent proteins and protein interactions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in protein design and engineering.
• Publish research in high-quality journals.
• Supervise postgraduate research students.
• Participate in research activities at the School of Biosciences.

Skills

Computational analysis of protein molecular structure

Protein engineering and associated molecular techniques

Spectroscopic analysis of proteins

Education

Postgraduate degree at PhD level in protein biochemistry/protein engineering

Job description

We are looking for a researcher with a background in protein design and engineering to join the Dafydd Jones group in the Molecular Bioscience division of the School of Biosciences. This BBSRC funded project aims to address one of the missing pieces in the cell interactome: protein self‑association.

Protein‑protein interactions (PPIs) play a major role in biology, with their dysregulation contributing to many disease states. Genetically‑encoded probes called fluorescent proteins have proved pivotal to investigating PPIs in the cell but the underlying fluorescent methods are currently limited to monitoring interactions between two different proteins; self‑association of the same proteins cannot be easily measured. This is major issue as many PPIs, arguably the majority, involve the self‑association of identical proteins.

Building on recent work in the Jones lab, your project will generate new fluorescent protein variants optimised for use in the cell to functionally respond when fused to a self‑associating protein target.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research within the area of protein design and engineering, recombinant protein production, protein molecular analysis and cell imaging with a specific focus on fluorescent proteins.
• Carry out research with the aim to publishing work in high quality journals and/or generate data for patent filling.
• Contribute to general communal lab activities and jobs.
• Interact and liaise with other researchers within Cardiff University.
• Contribute to the overall research performance of the School of Biosciences and University by the production of measurable outputs including publishing in academic journals and presenting at conferences, and the supervision of postgraduate research students.
• Review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
• Participate in School of Biosciences research activities.

Qualifications

• Have a postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in protein biochemistry/protein engineering or relevant industrial experience.
• Have established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research areas:
• Computational analysis of protein molecular structure including design aspects (e.g. Rosetta, molecular dynamics).
• Protein engineering and associated molecular techniques (mutagenesis, cloning, molecular analysis of proteins, recombinant protein production).
• Spectroscopic analysis of proteins (e.g. absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy).

We can offer you the chance to work in a vibrant organisation, with great benefits and opportunities for progression. We are a proud Living Wage supporter.

The University is committed to offering flexible working, wherever the role and business need allows, supporting work‑life balance.

Please contact Dafydd Jones ([e-mail]) for an informal, confidential discussion about the role.

This is a full‑time position, fixed period until 5th February 2026.

Salary £41,064 – £46,049 per annum (Grade 6). Please note that we will not appoint above bottom of the grade (Gr6, SP32) except in exceptional circumstances.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University