Job description

The main purpose of this role is to undertake high quality research into the biophysical basis of membrane organization and function and assist the PI in driving research in the lab. The research project involves a range of membrane biophysics methodologies together with integrative cell biology and molecular cell biology approaches in the two species of fission yeasts, S. pombe and S. japonicus.

The appointee should have an extensive expertise in molecular biophysics, including CD spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and fluorescence microscopy-based approaches to monitor membrane organization and interaction of proteins with membranes. The appointee should be experienced in live cell confocal microscopy and associated imaging and imaging analysis methods, and protein and lipid biochemistry techniques.

The appointee will contribute to the research profile of Randall Centre and the Oliferenko laboratory through high-impact, peer-reviewed publications.

This post will be offered on a a fixed-term contract for 3 years

This is a full-time post -100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

• To engage in internationally leading research and to take a role in determining the future path of this research
• Manage specific pieces of activity to an agreed timeline and within a specific budget including literature reviews, data collection and analysis, report writing.
• Attend and, as appropriate, present research findings and papers at internal academic meetings and external professional conferences, and to contribute to the internal and external visibility of the laboratory and the department.
• Work as a conscientious and committed member of the team in order to achieve the aims of the projects.
• Facilitate collaboration and networking which engages and supports the activities of the Oliferenko group
• To contribute to the supervision of PhD and undergraduate students
• Participate in educational activities as appropriate to the stage of your career.
• To be committed to your own personal career development.
• Liaise with the administrative team for the support of the research
• Contribute to publications arising from this research
• Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be relevant to the role outline.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria

• PhD in Biological Sciences, Biophysics, Biochemistry or related field.
• Ability to initiate and maintain a high-quality research program in the specified scientific area
• Major contribution to the design and execution of an experimental research program
• Excellent communication skills
• Extensive experience in experimental biophysics approaches, including CD spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and fluorescence microscopy-based approaches to monitor membrane organization and interaction of proteins with membranes.
• Expertise in live cell confocal microscopy and associated imaging and imaging analysis methods
• Expertise in membrane biochemistry techniques
• Good publication record, including first author research paper(s)

Desirable criteria

• Experience in cell culture

*Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further information

Please see oliferenkolab.uk for information on our research

Please note that a PhD awarded (or near completion) in Biological Sciences, Biophysics, Biochemistry or related field is a must, and any applicants without this essential criterion will not be progressed.