- Job Title
- Research Assistant
- Post Number
- 1004266
- Closing Date
- 25 May 2022
- Grade
- SC6
- Starting Salary
- £32,578 - £39,938
- Hours per week
- 37
- Expected/Ideal Start Date
- 20 Jun 2022
- Months Duration
- 6
- Flexible Options
- Although full-time hours are available, applications from those interested in working part-time hours are also welcomed.
Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
Carry out a range of biochemical experiments to elucidate the mechanism of action of a new type of gyrase inhibitors
Key Relationships
Internal: Line manager, group members and, as necessary, other researchers, research support staff and students across the Institute.
External: Collaborators
Main Activities & Responsibilities
- Percentage
- Plan, perform, trouble-shoot and analyse experiments as and when necessary, providing preliminary data
- 65
- Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities
- 10
- Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements
- 10
- Assist in the preparation of research proposals and manuscripts, collaborating internally and externally as appropriate
- 5
- Undertake routine administrative tasks, such as maintenance of laboratory supplies and stocks
- 5
- Mentor/supervise less experienced researchers, encouraging scientific excellence and provide guidance and training on specialised items of equipment
- 5
- As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
- Requirement
- Importance
- BSc or equivalent in biomedical science
- Essential
- PhD or equivalent in biomedical sciences
- Desirable
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
- Requirement
- Importance
- Protein & nucleic acid biochemistry
- Essential
- Protein purification (AKTA)
- Essential
- Molecular genetics (site-directed mutagenesis)
- Essential
- Interest in structural biology/cryo-EM
- Essential
Relevant Experience
- Requirement
- Importance
- Demonstrated ability to perform research
- Essential
- Proven record in scientific writing
- Desirable
- Provided technical training
- Desirable
- Supervision of students and visiting workers
- Desirable
- Experience of oral research presentations
- Desirable
- Preparing data / information for grant proposals
- Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
- Requirement
- Importance
- Ability to prioritise to meet the demands of the group
- Essential
- Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
- Essential
- Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures
- Essential
- Promotes and strives for continuous improvement
- Essential
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity
- Desirable
- Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team
- Desirable
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills
- Desirable
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
- Desirable
Additional Requirements
- Requirement
- Importance
- Attention to detail
- Essential
- Promotes equality and values diversity
- Essential
- Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work
- Essential
- Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute
- Essential
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate
- Essential
- Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required
- Desirable
- Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars
- Desirable
Who We Are
John Innes Centre
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.
Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.
For more information about working at the John Innes Centre, please click here.
We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.
We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme, a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).
Department
Biochemistry and Metabolism
Researchers within the Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism investigate the structure and function of biological macromolecules and fundamental aspects of plant and microbial metabolism. They aim to understand the mechanisms underpinning metabolic diversity and how to manipulate proteins, carbohydrates, small molecules and DNA, research which is facilitating advances of agricultural, environmental, medical and industrial importance.
Group Details
Ghilarov group uses cryo-EM to study molecular aspects of antibiotic biosynthesis, function and resistance
Living in Norfolk
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Research Assistant
Salary: £32,578 - £39,938 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract: 6 months, full-time
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 25th May 2022
Reference: 1004266
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the Ghilarov Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science.
About the John Innes Centre:
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits.
Our employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management. Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre.
About the Ghilarov Group:
The Ghilarov group uses cryo-EM to study molecular aspects of antibiotic biosynthesis, function and resistance. Further information is available at http://ghilarovlab.com.
The role:
The main purpose of the role will be to carry out a range of biochemical experiments to elucidate the mechanism of action of a new type of gyrase inhibitors.
The Research Assistant will establish the mechanism of action of a novel topoisomerase inhibitor. The project involves biochemical activity assays and cryo-EM studies of Escherichia coli DNA gyrase.
We will provide training in biochemical assays involving DNA gyrase, protein purification and sample preparation for cryo-electron microscopy.
The ideal candidate:
You will have a BSc in biomedical science. You will have in-depth knowledge of protein & nucleic acid biochemistry, protein purification (AKTA), molecular genetics (site-directed mutagenesis) and an interest in structural biology/cryo-EM.
Additional information:
We welcome applications from candidates seeking job-share, part-time or other flexible working arrangements.
We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.
The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.