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We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

The laboratory of Professor Neil Hunter FRS in the School of Biosciences seeks a Research Assistant to work on a collaborative project funded by an ERC Synergy award. The postholder will collaborate with researchers at Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich and Centre Algatech, Trebon, Czech Republic, as part of the Synergy research programme.

The aims of the Sheffield part of the Synergy PhotoRedesign project relevant to this position are to: (1) genetically engineer a range of photosynthetic microorganisms to produce combinations of non-native proteins and pigments; (2) characterise the pigment content of engineered strains and isolated protein complexes using techniques such as absorption spectroscopy and LC-MS; (3) use protein design tools to design new protein scaffolds or modify existing ones; and (4) utilise adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) to enhance the growth of genetically engineered strains and identify mutations using genomic sequencing.

Applicants must hold a degree in a relevant subject area and have a strong background in molecular biology and microbiology, ideally using a combination of E. coli, cyanobacteria, purple bacteria and other phototrophic microorganisms. Experience in techniques such as markerless genomic manipulation and CRISPR-Cas gene editing are essential, alongside the ability to purify membrane and membrane-extrinsic proteins, work with light- and oxygen-sensitive pigments, and perform small molecule analysis using techniques such as HPLC and mass spectrometry.

Main duties and responsibilities

• 1) Design constructs to generate a range of genetically engineered strains of phototrophic microorganisms to produce non-native combinations of pigment-proteins and pigments; (2) characterise the pigment content of engineered strains and biochemically isolate and characterise native and engineered pigment-protein complexes; (3) use classical microbiology approaches to characterise fitness of engineered strains under different growth regimes and use ALE (Adaptive Laboratory Evolution) to select for better performing strains and identify and characterise mutations in adapted lines.
• Work with protein design experts to design, produce and text combinations of designer pigment-binding proteins in strains with various pigment compositions. 
• Biochemical characterisation of designed complexes using gel electrophoresis, western blots, sucrose ultracentrifugation and gel filtration.
• Characterise samples functionally using fluorescence, fluorescence lifetime imaging and absorption spectroscopy.
• Collaborate with senior colleagues to prepare papers for journals and presentations for national and international conferences to disseminate research findings.
• Interact with and supervise PhD and undergraduate students within the research group.
• Support the management of collaborations within the Synergy team at Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich and Centre Algatech, Trebon, Czech Republic, through regular online meetings and by visiting these laboratories when appropriate.
• Plan experimental tasks
• Keep appropriate records of all work carried out including detailed plasmid and strain libraries.
• Develop new collaborations both within the University of Sheffield and with external groups.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you are shortlisted for interview and need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.