Researcher - Protein Biochemist and Physicist

Location:	Oxford
Salary:	£37,524 to £45,763 with a discretionary range to £49,850 per annum. This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,500 per year (pro rata), Grade 7
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On:	9th October 2024
Closes:	5th November 2024
Job Ref:	175445

Researcher - Protein Biochemist and Physicist

Join CMD and the Biochemistry and Biophysics Group led by Dr. Oleg Fedorov in this exciting opportunity to recruit a Postdoctoral Researcher. You will be working closely with structural biologists and molecular biologists in the CMD and being led to discover new therapeutic approaches to a wide range of human diseases.

CMD's goal is to de-risk new therapeutic approaches and discover new agents appropriate for further discovery investment. We work closely with the pharma and biotech industries and operate industry-style project teams to deliver our goals in target validation and translational research.

This job opportunity works on a wide range of projects across all areas of biology in a uniquely collaborative academic department in which to work but also offers the freedom and flexibility, given by an academic research environment, to train and develop your initiatives and capabilities.

The candidate would develop biochemical, biophysical, and target engagement assays and use them to identify and evaluate ligands for proteins of interest. You would be performing bench-level experiments with the expectation of being able to write protocols, design experimental plans, develop new scientific techniques, and contribute and develop ideas for new research projects. You will carry out independent use and management of specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory context, including Echo (automated liquid handling), Pherastar plate readers, Biacore (SPR), ITC, Octet (BLI), RapidFire mass spectrometry (Agilent).

A position with a successful outcome will require a PhD/DPhil (or near completion) in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Pharmacology, or a related field with some background experience in protein biochemistry/enzymology, including experience with drug mechanism of action determination and thermodynamics and kinetic analysis. You will have prior experience in developing in vitro assays including one or more biochemical, biophysical assays, protein-protein interaction assays, and/or cellular target engagement assays e.g., HTRF, enzyme activity assays, BLI, SPR, mass spectrometry, and you have excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with ability to communicate well and to collaborate effectively within a dynamic team and matrix environment.

Major Responsibilities:

Develop biochemical, biophysical, and target engagement assays.

Identify and evaluate ligands for proteins of interest, and utilize assays.

Conduct bench-level experiments, write protocols, and design experimental plans.

Drive innovation, create new scientific techniques, and support in the design and implementation of new research work.

Equipment Management: The candidate should be able to manage and handle independent specialized laboratory equipment, including Echo (automated liquid handling), Pherastar plate readers, Biacore (SPR), ITC, Octet (BLI), and RapidFire mass spectrometry (Agilent).

PhD/DPhil or near completion in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Pharmacology, or a related field.

Considerable experience in protein biochemistry/enzymology with expertise in the analysis of drug mechanisms of action, thermodynamics, and kinetics.

Track record of in vitro assay development, biochemical, biophysical, protein-protein interaction, or cellular target engagement assays e.g. HTRF, enzyme activity assays, BLI, SPR, mass spectrometry experience

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal, ensuring the ability to work effectively in a dynamic team environment

Application Process

Apply online and, in support of your application you will need to upload a supporting statement detailing how you meet each of the selection criteria using examples from your experience.

This is a full-time fixed-term position until 31 July 2026. The Department is funding this position.

Application deadline: 12:00 PM (midday) Tuesday 5th November 2024

Interview date: Week commencing 18th November 2024

Reference: 175445

Join the dynamic world of CMD and be part of some truly innovative research that is transforming medicine

Applications should be submitted through our website. As part of your online application, you will need to upload a supporting statement and CV. Your supporting statement should explain, with specific examples of your skills and experience, how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post.

This is a full-time, fixed-term role until 31 July 2026 and is funded by the Department.

Applications received before 12 midday on Tuesday, 5 November 2024 will be accepted. Interviews will be held the week commencing 18 November 2024. Please quote 175445 on all correspondence.

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