DEPARTMENT

A 12-month research technician position is available to investigate the structure and infection mechanisms of bacteriophage targeting Bacteroides species in the human gut microbiome. This project is funded by the Wellcome Trust and led by Dr Oliver Bayfield.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative and supportive environment in the Department of Biology, working closely with Dr Bayfield and the York Structural Biology Laboratory (YSBL). The focus will be on determining the structure of receptor-binding proteins (RBPs) and their complexes using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), complemented by biochemical and biophysical characterisation. The role will include supporting other researchers and assisting with general lab and organisational tasks, including sample preparation and data collection.
The York Structural Biology Laboratory (YSBL) provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray crystallography equipment housed in the Eleanor and Guy Dodson Building. Additionally, the Department of Biology’s Bioscience Technology Facility offers extensive core infrastructure for imaging, biophysics, proteomics, and biochemical characterisation.
The Department of Biology is one of the UK’s leading biology departments, internationally recognised for research excellence and consistently ranked among the best for student satisfaction. We strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, flourish, and excel, and we aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture across all staff groups and career stages.

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATION NEEDED

• Familiarity with structural biology principles and techniques, including protein production and biophysical characterisation
• Experience in molecular biology and in protein purification
• Experience in protein engineering by rational design and machine-learning methods
• Demonstrated ability in using NMR for protein characterisation
  Interview date: To be confirmed
  For informal enquiries: Please contact Dr Oliver Bayfield at oliver.bayfield@york.ac.uk
  The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.
  We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.
  We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

To conduct research under the supervision of senior colleagues and to contribute to the production of research. In particular to:

• Expression and purification of bacteriophage proteins and virions
• Molecular cloning and genetic manipulation of phage and host systems
• Optimisation of protein-receptor complexes
• Cryo-EM grid preparation, data collection, and image processing
• Biochemical and biophysical analysis of proteins and receptor interactions
• To undertake organisational activities including maintenance of lab databases and stocks