Post-doctoral research associate in de novo enzyme design

The role

Post-doctoral research associate in de novo enzyme design

A post-doctoral position is available to design and develop de novo peptide assemblies for applications in photocatalysis. This is one of multiple post-doctoral positions in a multi-centre interdisciplinary BBSRC-funded grant. The Bristol-based post is available for 3 years in the first instance, and extendable to 5 years. It is in the protein design laboratory of Prof Dek Woolfson (Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bristol), and in collaboration with a consortium of biological and physical scientists led by Prof Nigel Scrutton FRS (MIB, University of Manchester).

What will you be doing?

Specifically, the work will develop de novo peptide assemblies called alpha-helical barrels (aHBs) discovered and developed in the Woolfson lab ( Science 346 , 485-8 (2014); ACS Synth Biol 7 , 1808-16 (2018)). Unlike most natural peptide assemblies and proteins, these aHBs have solvent-accessible channels running completely through them. These channels have dimensions commensurate with the passage and capture or functional small molecules (see Figure). The Woolfson group has shown that these channels can be modified through rational or computational design to incorporate binding, catalytic and transport functions. The aim of the new project is to design new aHBs that bind and orient synthetic and biological prosthetic groups such as flavins. In turn, these complexes will be used to develop de novo photocatalytic enzymes that convert simple small-molecule substrates into useful functionalised molecules. This could lead to applications in synthetic biology, biotechnology, and the pharmaceutical industry.

You should apply if

The position would be best suited to a talented and ambitious early career researcher with an interest in applying de novo peptide/protein design in synthetic biology and biocatalysis. Essential skills for this role include experience with the design and synthesis of synthetic peptides; small-molecule binding to peptides and proteins; and the biophysical or structural characterisation of such systems. Experience in computational peptide/protein design and/or structural biology would be an advantage; however, neither of these are essential skills for applicants at this stage.

Because of the multi-centre and highly collaborative nature of this work, it is essential that the successful candidate is able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team across the UK. There will excellent opportunities for laboratory exchanges, collaborative research, and skills transfer within the project. More specifically, there will be opportunities to work with Prof Perdita Barran (Manchester; mass spectrometry), Prog Nigel Scrutton FRS (Manchester; biocatalysis and protein engineering), and Dr Chris Wood (Edinburgh; computational protein design, including AI approaches).

For informal enquiries, please contact: d.n.woolfson@bristol.ac.uk

We welcome applications from all members of our community and are particularly encouraging those from diverse groups, such as members of the LGBT+ and BAME communities, to join us.