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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 Associate to work on a collaborative project funded by an ERC Synergy award.

The aims of the Sheffield part of the Synergy project relevant to this position are to: (1) purify a range of native, engineered and de novo designed proteins involved in photosynthesis; (2) characterise the structural and functional properties of native, engineered and de novo designed complexes using a variety of biophysical and spectroscopic methods. (3) use cryo-electron microscopy to determine the high-resolution structures of these complexes, using the latest approaches at all stages, including making grids, data analysis and model building.

Applicants must have a PhD with a strong background in protein structure determination by cryo-electron microscopy, specifically with experience with large, multisubunit membrane protein complexes. Experience in gene manipulation, general protein engineering and purification of membrane and membrane-extrinsic proteins is also required. The postholder will make collaborative visits to Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich and Centre Algatech, Trebon, Czech Republic, as part of the Synergy research programme.

Main duties and responsibilities

• 1) purify a range of native, engineered and de novo designed proteins involved in photosynthesis; (2) characterise the structural and functional properties of native, engineered and de novo designed complexes using a variety of biophysical and spectroscopic methods. (3) use cryo-electron microscopy to determine the high-resolution structures of these complexes, using the latest approaches at all stages, including making grids, data analysis and model building
• Solve problems regarding the optimised production and purification of photosynthetic membrane protein complexes, from a range of bacterial and plant sources.
• Biochemical characterisation of designed complexes using gel electrophoresis, western blots, sucrose ultracentrifugation, gel filtration.
• Characterise these samples functionally using fluorescence, fluorescence lifetime imaging and absorption spectroscopy.
• Collaborate with senior colleagues in order to prepare papers for journals and presentations for national and international conferences to disseminate research findings.
• Interact with and supervise PhD students within the research group.
• Support with 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 up to 3 weeks ahead, although advance planning may vary from 1 week up to 3 months depending on the availability of materials, space and cryo-electron microscopes.
• Keep appropriate records of all work carried out.
• 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.

Essential criteria

• A PhD with a relevant scientific background such as biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry (assessed at application stage)
• Hold general biochemistry skills, including preparation of membrane proteins by sucrose gradients, purification of cytochromes and photosynthetic complexes by ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography, FPLC etc. (assessed at application and interview stage)
• Have extensive experience of cryo-electron microscopy, image analsysis, and a relevant computational background (assessed at application and interview stage)
• Have experience of spectroscopy and kinetic analysis of photosynthetic energy and electron transfer reactions (assessed at application and interview stage)
• Ability to manage an independent, original research project (assessed at application and interview stage)
• Effective communications skills, both verbal and written; experience of delivering presentations and writing papers (assessed at application and interview stage)
• Experience of developing collaborations (assessed at application and interview stage)
• Experience of working in a large and diverse research team (assessed at application and interview stage)
• Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer-term implications (assessed at application and interview stage)
• Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities (assessed at application and interview stage)
• Experience of adapting own skills to new circumstances (assessed at application and interview stage)

Desirable criteria

• Have experience of analytical gel electrophoresis such as SDS PAGE and BN PAGE (assessed at application and interview stage)

Further Information

Grade: 7

Salary: £37,999 - £46,485 per annum, pro rata

Work arrangement: Part-time (40% FTE)

Duration: 1 April 2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter) to 31 December 2026

Line manager: Principal Investigator (Krebs Professor of Biochemistry)

Direct reports: None

Our website: School of Biosciences

For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Amanda Brindley at a.brindley@sheffield.ac.uk
 

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 41 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.
• 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.