Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of York; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 30,000 - GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Sheffield is seeking a motivated individual for a full-time PDRA position in structural biology. The role involves characterizing macromolecular complexes within bacteriophage replication initiation, requiring expertise in cryo-EM and biophysical methods. The appointment is for up to 18 months with a possibility of extension, promoting a supportive work environment committed to diversity and excellence. Interested candidates should have a PhD or relevant experience, along with strong research skills and a collaborative spirit.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in determining cryo-EM structures.
• Proficiency in biophysical and biochemical methods of complex analysis.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Purify and assemble a macromolecular complex.
• Optimize conditions for cryo-EM structure determination.
• Support Masters and PhD students in the group.

Skills

Cryo-EM structure determination

Biophysical methods (ITC, MST)

Biochemical methods

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in structural biology or biochemistry

Job description

Dr Purba Mukherjee seeks applications from motivated individuals for a PDRA position to join YSBL at the Department of Chemistry, University of York. This full-time role, focusing on the structural characterisation of macromolecular complexes in bacteriophage replication initiation, will be carried out in collaboration with Dr Indrajit Lahiri at the School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield. The appointment is for an initial term of up to 18 months, with the possibility of an extension and will be funded by EPSRC.

Department

You will be joining one of UoY’s largest and most successful departments. Home to 85 postdoctoral experts conducting world-class research, the Department of Chemistry– ranked among top 10 in REF2021 – offers a vibrant and supportive community. YSBL has a long-standing history of contributions to structural biology. We are proud of our Athena Swan Gold Award (since 2007), reflecting our dedication to creating an environment where you can truly excel and make your mark.

The Department of Chemistry values all employees for the qualities and skills they bring to the workplace and aims to be a diverse and egalitarian community in which all can thrive.

Role

In certain bacteriophages (phi29, PRD1) replication initiation employs a protein primer in place of an RNA primer. The Mukherjee group is focused on exploiting such novel mechanisms of polymerase action for downstream application in biocatalytic processes. You will work on the structural characterisation of a bacteriophage protein-primed replication complex. Building on existing knowledge in the group you will: (i) purify and assemble a macromolecular complex and (ii) optimise conditions to obtain a cryo-EM structure of replication initiation complexes in various states during protein-priming. You will also have the opportunity to gain supervisory skills by supporting Masters and PhD students, where necessary within the group.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed

The postholder should have a PhD (or be about to be awarded a PhD) in structural biology or biochemistry or equivalent experience. You are expected to:

• Have hands‑on experience in all steps of determining a cryo-EM structure of a protein-protein or protein‑nucleic acid complex (sample preparation, grid preparation, data collection, structure determination and molecular modelling)
• be proficient in biophysical (ITC, MST etc) and biochemical (kinetics) methods of complex analysis
• Be competent at working both independently and collaboratively
• Have excellent written and oral scientific communication skills with a track record for publication(s) and conference presentation(s)
• Be committed to the values of equality, diversity and inclusion

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Purba Mukherjee, email [e-mail]