Research Technician in Protein Biochemistry Ref: 41559 (Fixed Term)

University of Sussex; Brighton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university in Brighton is seeking a research assistant for a Blood Cancer UK-funded project. The role involves large-scale recombinant protein production, biochemical and biophysical assays, and contributing to research on cancer signalling pathways. Ideal candidates will hold a BSc in a relevant field, possess hands-on experience in protein expression, and exhibit strong communication skills. This position supports a multidisciplinary research environment.

Qualifications

• Completed a BSc (and preferably an MSc) degree in related areas.
• Hands-on experience of protein expression and purification techniques.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Carry out large-scale recombinant protein production.
• Perform biochemical and biophysical assays.
• Contribute to investigations into allosteric inhibition.
• Participate in scientific discussions and dissemination of research.

Skills

Large-scale recombinant protein expression

Biochemical assays

Biophysical assays

Communication skills

Education

BSc in Structural biology, Biochemistry, or Molecular biology

MSc preferred

Job description

Overview

You will join a Blood Cancer UK-funded project, to further understand mechanisms underlying the activation of cancer signalling pathways by tyrosine fusion kinases in Leukaemia, and their regulation by the HSP90 molecular chaperone system. As a research assistant, you will carry out large-scale recombinant protein production to support the structural biology (X-ray crystallography and cryoEM) aspects of this project and perform subsequent biochemical and biophysical assays to probe assembly and activity of fusion kinases and their interactions with the molecular chaperone system, with the aim of probing new allosteric approaches to inhibit fusion kinase function.

Responsibilities

• Carry out large-scale recombinant protein production to support structural biology studies (X-ray crystallography and cryoEM).
• Perform biochemical and biophysical assays to probe assembly and activity of fusion kinases and their interactions with the HSP90 molecular chaperone system.
• Contribute to investigations aiming to develop allosteric approaches to inhibit fusion kinase function.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary research team and actively participate in scientific discussions and dissemination of the research.

About You

• The project is suitable for a candidate who has completed a BSc (and preferably an MSc) degree in Structural biology, Biochemistry, Molecular biology or related areas, with an interest in cancer signalling or molecular chaperones.
• Hands-on experience of large-scale recombinant protein expression in bacterial or insect cells and subsequent large-scale protein purification techniques.
• Additional practical experience in biochemical and/or biophysical assays to study protein–protein interactions and enzymatic activity is advantageous.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team; strong written and oral communication skills are essential.
• Enthusiasm, initiative, and organisational skills to drive the project forward while contributing to a supportive, inclusive research environment.

About Our School

The School of Life Sciences seeks to understand mechanisms that drive biological and chemical processes and to develop innovative approaches to enhance human health, technology and the environment. We undertake multidisciplinary research, teaching and engagement across a wide range of subjects, from Chemistry through Cellular and Molecular Biosciences to Conservation Biology.

The School comprises five Departments: Biochemistry & Biomedicine, Genome Damage and Stability Centre, Neuroscience, Ecology & Evolution and Chemistry. We also house the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, which works to translate discoveries from bench to bedside. The breadth and depth of our cutting-edge research and teaching practice are delivered by a diverse community that works across boundaries to deliver excellence and impact.

The School is committed to the University’s core values of kindness, integrity, inclusion, collaboration and courage, and to equality, diversity and inclusion as everyone’s responsibility.

Why work here

Our university is situated off the A27, next to the South Downs, with access to a 150-acre campus. Falmer train station is a five-minute walk away and several bus stops are on campus. We offer cycling paths and a cycle-to-work scheme.

Further Information

• Please contact Dr Jasmeen Oberoi ([e-mail]) for informal enquiries.
• Please include a full CV with the application.
• The University is committed to equality and valuing diversity; applications are welcomed from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in STEMM at Sussex.
• This position may be subject to ATAS clearance if visa sponsorship is required.
• Visa sponsorship queries: This role is eligible for sponsorship only for candidates who already have an existing Skilled Worker sponsorship under specific conditions; please consult the university’s Skilled Worker visa information page for details.