Research Fellow, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences

Job Purpose

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking an investigation on how a variety of complex macromolecular interactions in the human DNA-damage response (DDR) are regulated by post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination. The research will be carried out in the laboratory of Steve Smerdon at the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences (ICGS) located within the University of Birmingham Medical School in the UK. Experimental approaches will be structure-focused but highly multi-disciplinary and the work will benefit from close interactions with a cluster of world-class laboratories within the ICGS interested in DDR biology.

Research Fellows are expected to lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis, guide PhD students and work well within a team.

The successful candidate will:

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc

Person Specification

Essential

• PhD in biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics or related discipline
• Good knowledge and experience in molecular biology techniques and recombinant protein production using pro- and eukaryotic expression systems
• Technical expertise in biochemical and structural biology work
• Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts
• Experience of experimental design
• Good oral and written communication skills evidenced by data presentation at scientific meetings
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes

Proven experience in one or more of the following would be an advantage:

• X-ray crystallography and/or single particle electron microscopy
• Biophysical techniques for the analysis of protein-protein interactions
• Basic cell biological techniques