Research Associate in Structural Virology

Role Description

Department of Biology

A 12-month postdoctoral position is available to investigate the structure and infection mechanisms of bacteriophage targeting Bacteroides species in the human gut microbiome. This project is funded by the Wellcome Trust and led by Dr Oliver Bayfield.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative and supportive environment in the Department of Biology, working closely with Dr Bayfield and the York Structural Biology Laboratory (YSBL). The focus will be on determining the structure of receptor-binding proteins (RBPs) and their complexes using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), complemented by biochemical and biophysical characterisation and genetic engineering.

The York Structural Biology Laboratory (YSBL) provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray crystallography equipment housed in the Eleanor and Guy Dodson Building. Additionally, the Department of Biology's Bioscience Technology Facility offers extensive core infrastructure for imaging, biophysics, proteomics, and biochemical characterisation.

The Department of Biology is one of the UK’s leading biology departments, internationally recognised for research excellence and consistently ranked among the best for student satisfaction. We strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, flourish, and excel, and we aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture across all staff groups and career stages.

Role

To conduct research under the supervision of senior colleagues and to contribute to the production of research. In particular to:

• Expression and purification of bacteriophage proteins and virions
• Genetic engineering of bacteriophage and proteins
• Optimisation of protein-receptor complex formation
• Cryo-EM grid preparation, data collection, and image processing
• Functional analysis of receptor interactions through biochemical assays

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• A first degree in Microbiology
• PhD in Microbiology or related discipline
• Knowledge in molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques
• Skills in genetic engineering, molecular biology and cryo-EM structure determination
• Knowledge of cryo-EM data collection and data processing
• Demonstrated experience in cultivating anaerobic bacteria including Bacteroides
• Interest in and enthusiasm for research on the human gut virome
• Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide-ranging audience
• Ability to develop research objectives, projects and proposals for own and joint research
• Competency to conduct individual and collaborative research projects
• Competency to make presentations at conferences or exhibit work in other appropriate events
• Experience of carrying out both independent and collaborative research
• Experience of writing up research work for publication
• Ability to work as part of a team and also to work independently using own initiative
• Attention to detail and commitment to high quality
• Collaborative ethos
• Positive attitude to colleagues and students
• Commitment to personal development and updating of knowledge and skills

Interview date: 15 May 2025

For informal enquiries: Please contact Dr Oliver Bayfield, oliver.bayfield@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork