Job Profile

Core job information
Job Title / Postdoctoral Research Assistant, working in Biophysical Chemistry (EPR spectroscopy & proteins)
Dept./School/Inst. / School of Biological & Chemical Sciences / Section/Centre/Unit / S & E
Career Family / Academic and Education (Research) / Grade / 4
Working hours / Full time / Appointment period / 6 months
Reports to (job title) / Dr Maxie Roessler / Current location / Based on QMULMile End Campus and on Kings’ College London Chemistry Campus
Job purpose
To undertake research under the supervision of Dr Maxie Roessler (Queen Mary University of London) andDr Sarah Barry (King’s College London) in order to realise the objectives a project entitled “New biocatalytic routes to biologically important amino acid derivatives: Determining the function of a novel tryptophan-deriving enzyme”.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Requirements / Essential/Desirable
Qualifications / BSc (Hons) or MSci (or equivalent) degree in either Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related field
PhD (awarded or reasonably expected to be awarded within 6 months) or equivalent experiencein which biophysical methods and work on proteins comprise a major component of research / E
E
Experience / Experience of overexpression, purification and characterisation of proteins
Experience in EPR spectroscopy; candidates without a background in EPR spectroscopy will be expected to have a keen interest to learn the technique
Experience in electrochemistry
Experience with biochemical assays
Record of scientific publications that provide evidence of the above / E
D
D
D
E
Knowledge, skills & abilities / Understanding of the research process
Ability to organise and prioritise own work and coordinate others with the regard to effective use of resources
Understanding of Health & Safety regulations & procedures relevant to research
Good communication skills to enable clear written guidance and contributions to research
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, resolving potential problemsindependently where appropriate
Ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date records
Proven record of use and analysis of continuous wave and pulsed EPR techniques (e.g. ENDOR, ESEEM) at multiple frequencies / E
E
E
E
E
E
D
Attitude & disposition / Willingness to carry out work on the two London campuses involved in the project (QMUL and King’s College London)
Self-motivated and hardworking
Work flexibly and co-operatively alone or as part of a team
Willingness and ability to learn new skills and experimental techniques / E
E
E
E
Other circumstances / Willingness to work flexibly in order to achieve project demands. / E
Main Duties and Responsibilities of the Role
Research
  • Responsible, under the general guidance of Dr Maxie Roessler and Dr Sarah Barry, for undertaking the programme of work.
  • Conduct innovative research and any other relevant activities as required by the research programme.
  • Collect data and undertake any appropriate analysis of data as requested.
  • Prepare reports of appropriate research results for public presentation through seminars and conferences.
  • Contribute to writing papers summarising research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals of high international standing. Contribute to other reports where necessary.
  • Maintain appropriate databases, keeping accurate written and computerised records and to ensure that these records are stored in a secure place and to maintain confidentiality of all electronically stored personal data in line with the provisions of the Data Protection Act.
  • Undertake literature and database searches for the research project, keeping up to date with developments in the subject area.
  • Be able to interpret and present the findings of the literature searches and advise the research teams appropriately regarding potential projects as required by the supervisor.
  • Work with external collaborators as agreed with the supervisor.
  • Assist in the supervision of student projects and PhD projects, as necessary.
  • Encourage interaction between team members.
  • Assist in writing health & safety policies, local rules and standard operating procedures as part of the programme of work
  • Ensure that appropriate risk assessment procedures are followed and documented
General
  • Deal with projects in a professional manner using judgement and discretion.
  • Be co-operative and flexible, undertaking other duties as may from time to time be reasonably required of a member of research grade staff in a university.
  • Participate in the College Appraisal Scheme and demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.