Last Date: 30 October 2023.
We have an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral research scientist* to study the physical properties of viral enzymes that allow them to evolve resistance to anti-viral drugs. This project will use advanced computation biology approaches, enzymology and structural biology to define structurally invariant regions of the SARS-CoV-2 MPro protease. This will inform the design of future therapies that reduce/prevent the evolution of drug resistance and may illuminate how evolution of resistance mutations will affect the potency of Mpro drugs already in clinical trials. This project is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation as part of the Pandemic Antiviral Discovery (PAD) initiative (https://padinitiative.com/) and is a collaboration between Profs. Stephen Graham and Ian Goodfellow (University of Cambridge, UK) and Prof. Özlem Tastan Bishop (Rhodes University, South Africa).
The post holder must possess a PhD in Biochemistry or a related area, have a strong track record of generating publication-quality experimental data, and have demonstrated experience of recombinant protein expression and purification using FPLC systems. Experience in either enzyme kinetic analysis using purified proteins or in solving protein structures using X-ray crystallography is also essential. Prior experience in virology, molecular dynamics analysis or structural pharmacology is desirable. The post holder must have good interpersonal skills as well as the ability to communicate their work clearly in both formal and informal settings, with great attention to detail and excellent record keeping.
The successful applicant will be based in the laboratory of Prof. Stephen Graham in Cambridge (http://www.atomicvirology.path.cam.ac.uk/) and will have access to state-of-the-art facilities for protein chemistry and structural biology research, including a formidable array of biophysical equipment and regular access to Diamond Light Source. They will join a collaborative and inclusive team of researchers within the Division of Virology laboratories on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the largest centre of medical research and health science in Europe. Ours is a supportive laboratory and enthusiastic candidates will have the opportunity to learn additional techniques and to expand their research and professional skills. We encourage creative thinking when tackling scientific problems and are keen for lab members to adopt new technologies and approaches when appropriate. If you are a biomedical scientist who wants to work with an international multidisciplinary team to address fundamental research questions with direct relevance to human health and pandemic preparedness, we want to hear from you.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 August 2025 in the first instance.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Click the ‘Apply’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
For informal enquires please contact Prof. Stephen Graham via email ([email protected])
*Where the successful applicant does not yet have a PhD, they will normally be under-appointed as a Research Assistant until they obtain their PhD degree.
Please quote reference PK38294 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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