About the role

We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and motivated Research Assistant (RA) to join the group of Dr Abhinav Koyamangalath Vadakkepat (https://www.akv-lab.com/) on an Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard Award funded project to dissect the molecular mechanism underpinning conjugative transfer of genetic material by secretion systems in mycobacteria.

The group is part of the Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology (LISCB), one of five flagship research institutes recently established by the University of Leicester (UoL), UK. This interdisciplinary project offers the opportunity to work in a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment and access to world-class research facilities for structural biology and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). It welcomes candidates passionate about structural biology, protein structure-function, host-pathogen interactions, molecular microbiology and infectious diseases. The project provides the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research, combining membrane-protein biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, genomics, cross-linking mass-spectrometry, bioinformatics, live-cell imaging and structural biology (X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM) to understand the molecular mechanisms associated with these processes. Access to LISCB's cutting-edge microscopy infrastructure, including the state-of-the-art Titan Krios 300 keV microscope and a supportive collaborative work environment enhances this opportunity.

To know more, visit our website: https://www.akv-lab.com/. We are based at the Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, University of Leicester, UK: https://le.ac.uk/research/institutes/structural-chemical-biology

About you

You will lead an independent research project, progressing from initial cloning to the purification of multi-megadalton membrane protein complexes, followed by structure determination and biochemical/biophysical mechanistic analysis. This project will focus on complex, multi-component membrane assemblies, investigated both in-vitro and in live-cell environments. The research will employ a diverse array of structural biology techniques, including single-particle analysis and cryo-electron tomography, cross-linking mass spectrometry, molecular microbiology, bioinformatics and live-cell imaging.

The ideal candidate will have obtained previous experience working in a wet lab and excellent command of written and spoken English. Experience in designing and executing workflows for protein structure determination, encompassing molecular biology and biochemical techniques such as DNA cloning, mutagenesis, protein purification and structural studies is also essential. We are also seeking someone with experience in expression and purification of recombinant membrane proteins using membrane protein biochemistry and proficiency in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) workflows, including sample preparation, data collection, and data processing are desirable. A strong motivation in pursuing biological questions and determination to actively contribute in establishing new research directions and strong interpersonal and teamwork skills is also vital

Additional information

Informal enquiries welcome and should be made to Abhinav Koyamangalath Vadakkepat at [email protected]

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.