Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbial Metal Sensing

at  Durham University

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbial Metal Sensing (Job Number: 24001501)
Department of Biosciences
Grade 7: - £37,099 - £44,263 per annum
Fixed Term - Full Time
Contract Duration: 24 Months
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Closing Date: 06-Sep-2024, 5:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. A good first degree in biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, or a related subject.
2. A PhD (or be close to submission) in biochemistry, microbiology, or or a related subject.

EXPERIENCE

1. Experience in conducting high quality academic research.
2. Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.
3. Demonstrable ability to present research papers at national/international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
4. Experience in molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, including PCR and protein purification for biophysical analysis

SKILLS

1. Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
2. Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
3. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

EXPERIENCE

1. Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
2. A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.
3. Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.
4. Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practicals.
5. Experience in experimental work in oxygen-free environments (e.g., anaerobic chamber) for either microbial growth or biochemical assays.
6. Working knowledge of the roles of metal ions in biological systems and/or metal-protein interactions.

SKILLS

1. Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research

THE ROLE AND DEPARTMENT

The Department of Biosciences is composed of 68 academic staff and research fellows; around 50 research and technical support staff; over 90 Research Postgraduate students and over 500 Single Honours undergraduate students. We offer a 3-year BSc degree programme in Biological Sciences and a 4-year MBiol, while also contributing to Natural Sciences. We also run a PGT in Plant Biotechnology with further PGT programmes scheduled for future delivery. Our research and teaching is supported by outstanding research infrastructure in advanced bioimaging (including super-resolution, confocal and electron microscopy), genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, high-performance computing and field research. We promote research at the interface with other disciplines.
The Dept. of Biosciences is currently ranked in the top 5 UK Biology Departments in University league tables (4th in the Guardian University Guide, 5th in The Complete University Guide) and has a 100% internationally recognised research environment (REF2021). Our basic science underpins applications across each-and-every sector of the bio-economy, including Biotechnology, Ecology and Agritechnology. Research programmes are grouped in the following areas: Molecular Plant Sciences; Biomolecular Interactions; Ecology, Evolution and Environment; and Animal Cells and Systems. These groups organise focused seminar series, Research Away Days, manage joint research facilities, oversee mentoring, internal peer review and serve to nucleate larger research projects. Along with our excellent research facilities such as bioimaging, proteomics, metabolomics and genomics we offer a high quality and supportive environment for our research staff.
The Dept. of Biosciences partners with other areas of research strength in Durham University including Computational Sciences and Chemistry, and encourages multidisciplinary research for Health and Wellbeing.
The Department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award. Athena SWAN is a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation and progression. The Department embraces excellence in all of its forms and invites all qualified applicants to apply. We particularly welcome applications from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in the academic sector.

THE ROLE

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbial Metal Sensing. The research project is lead by Dr. Peter Chivers, as part of the BBSRC-funded ELEMENTAL Engineering Biology Hub (https://affiliated.onpressidium.com/elementalhub/). The project will focus on engineering bacterial strains with altered cytosolic metal availabilities (see https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1367593121001253 for a recent review), with applications ranging from improved metallation of heterologously expressed metalloenzymes and metallocofactors to improved metal tolerance in strains used in the circular economy of metals. The work at Durham will link directly with Hub partner activities at the University of Manchester and Quadram Institute.
The project will involve a range of experimental methods including assays of native and engineering bacterial strains for growth, gene expression (qPCR), and metal content (ICP-MS). Protein overexpression and purification (using untagged constructs) will be used to enable biophysical analysis of metal-protein interactions (e.g. affinity determination by competition assays). Regular joint meetings between academic partners will be a key part of meeting project goals and outcomes, along with presentations at annual Hub research meetings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.
  This post is fixed term for 24 months from 1st November 2024 to 31st October 2026 as part of a time-limited funded research project. There is a possibility of extension for a further 24 months to 31st October 2028 pending initial project outcomes with input from the Hub Management Team and Strategic Advisory Board.
  The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.
  Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1st November 2024.