Research Assistant

Job Description

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

 

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to work on a collaborative project funded by an ERC Synergy award.

 

The aims of the Sheffield part of the Synergy project relevant to this position are to: (1) implement the latest methods for the de novo design of synthetic protein assemblies for artificial photosynthesis; (2) design new pigment and cofactor binding sites within a series of monomeric de novo synthetic proteins; (3) use computational tools to create oligomers of these monomeric proteins; (4) find ways to express the genes encoding monomeric and oligomeric proteins in a variety of bacterial hosts; (5) design sites to attach monomeric and oligomeric proteins to native photosynthetic complexes, in order to augment their naturally evolved light-harvesting capacity; (6) characterise the structural and functional properties of designed and native complexes using a variety of biophysical and spectroscopic methods.

 

Applicants must be working towards a PhD with a background in the de novo design of proteins using a suite of new computational tools such as RoseTTAFold2, RoseTTAFold All-Atom, RFdiffusion All-Atom and LigandMPNN.

 

Main duties and responsibilities

 

  • With the support of colleagues, carry out research projects including (1) implementing the latest methods for the de novo design of synthetic protein assemblies for artificial photosynthesis; (2) design new pigment and cofactor binding sites within a series of monomeric de novo synthetic proteins, and use computational tools to create oligomers of these monomeric proteins; (3) design sites to attach monomeric and oligomeric proteins to native photosynthetic complexes, in order to augment their naturally evolved light-harvesting capacity.
  • Solve problems regarding the optimised expression of genes encoding synthetic proteins in a variety of bacterial hosts, the subsequent purification of the recombinant proteins, the isolation and purification of carotenoid and chlorophyll pigments, and their reconstitution into designed proteins.
  • Undertake high-throughput 96-well plate cloning, plus cell transformation and growth.
  • Purification of de novo designed protein complexes reconstituted with carotenoids and chlorophylls.
  • Biochemical characterisation of designed complexes using gel electrophoresis, western blots, sucrose ultracentrifugation, gel filtration.
  • Characterise these samples structurally and functionally using cryo-electron microscopy, fluorescence, fluorescence lifetime imaging and absorption spectroscopy.
  • Collaborate with senior colleagues in order to prepare papers for journals and presentations for national and international conferences to disseminate research findings.
  • Interact with and supervise PhD students within the research group.
  • Support with the management of collaborations within the Synergy team at Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich and Centre Algatech, Trebon, Czech Republic, through regular online meetings and by visiting these laboratories when appropriate.
  • Plan experimental tasks up to 3 weeks ahead, although advance planning may vary from 1 week up to 3 months depending on the availability of materials, space, or specialised equipment, as well as cost and time.
  • Keep appropriate records of all work carried out.
  • Develop new collaborations both within the University of Sheffield and with external groups.
  • As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
  • Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

 

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

 

Essential criteria

 

  • Working towards a PhD with a relevant scientific background such as biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry. (assessed at: application)
  • Hold general biochemistry skills, including preparation of membrane proteins by sucrose gradients, purification of cytochromes and photosynthetic complexes by ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography, FPLC etc. (assessed at: application)
  • Have experience of protein design software such as RoseTTAFold2, RoseTTAFold All-Atom, RFdiffusion All-Atom and LigandMPNN, and a relevant computational background. (assessed at: application)
  • Have experience of spectroscopy and kinetic analysis of electron transfer reaction. (assessed at: application)
  • Have experience of molecular genetics including cloning, PCR, expression of proteins in non-native hosts, high-throughput 96-well plate cloning, plus cell transformation and growth etc. (assessed at: application)
  • Effective communications skills, both verbal and written; experience of delivering presentations and contributing towards the writing of papers. (assessed at: interview)
  • Experience of working in a large and diverse research team. (assessed at: interview)
  • Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer-term implications. (assessed at: interview)
  • Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities. (assessed at: interview)
  • Experience of adapting own skills to new circumstances. (assessed at: interview)

 

Desirable criteria (max 2)

 

  • Have experience of analytical gel electrophoresis such as SDS PAGE and BN PAGE. (assessed at: application)
  • Experience of developing collaborations. (assessed at: interview).

 

Further Information

Grade: 6

Duration: 1 April 2025 to 31 December 2026

Line manager: Principal Investigator

Direct reports: None

 

For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Amanda Brindley at a.brindley@sheffield.ac.uk 

 

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. Contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk if you are shortlisted for interview and require reasonable adjustments.

 

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
 

What we offer

  • A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
  • Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
  • Generous pension scheme.
  • A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
  • A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks).
  • Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
  • A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes;
  • A range of generous family-friendly policies
    • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
    • support for those going through the menopause
    • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
    • and more


More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

 

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

 

 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision ( www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision ) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.