Protein Production and Molecular Interactions Technical Specialist

Role Description

Department

The Protein Production and Molecular Interactions Laboratories, in the Bioscience Technology Facility, Department of Biology seek a technical specialist to support production, characterisation and assessment of recombinant proteins.  The role will be based in the recently merged Protein Production and Molecular Interactions groups, to build on a successful track record in delivery of materials and analysis to academic and commercial clients.  As a specialist core laboratory the group focuses on recombinant protein expression and characterisation.  It is also involved in direct technology research programmes through grants and commercial collaborations.  Full details of the instruments and services available can be found at https://www.york.ac.uk/biology/technology-facility/protein-production/ and https://www.york.ac.uk/biology/technology-facility/molecular-interactions/.

Role

The Protein Production and Molecular Interactions Laboratories within the Technology Facility, Department of Biology are seeking a new post to support and develop our production capabilities using multi-platform expression systems (bacterial to mammalian cell, up to fermentation scale); protein purification and QC; and to take products through to assessment by advanced analytical and biophysical methods.  The group handles complex workloads often to deadlines including grant-funded research projects and external collaborations. The role holder is also expected to use their experience to help support other lab activities, at the Grade 6 level, for existing and new contract work.  The initial focus of the post will be protein production with the bioanalytical aspects increasing as the role develops.

Working as part of the team in the integrated production and characterisation group, the role holder will be expert in recombinant production and/or biophysical characterisation and will need to:

• Have a high level of expertise in relevant experimental techniques (sequence analysis and construct design,  recombinant expression platforms, protein purification, protein quality control; experience in analytical methods e.g. SPR, ITC, NanoDSF desirable)
• Take responsibility for experimental design of research programmes
• Consult with and report directly to external clients
• Produce and deliver materials and analysis to agreed standards
• Present data and represent the laboratory at scientific and other meetings

The Role Holder will need the ability to function in a client-oriented environment; to devise approaches, acquire, analyse and troubleshoot data; optimise protocols in response to customer demands; and manage projects.  Support and guidance will be provided by the Laboratory Head but the Role Holder will be required to work largely independently and alongside colleagues.

The post is full time (37 hours a week) and is on an open contract.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• Degree in an appropriate science discipline or equivalent level of knowledge
• In depth and current theoretical and practical knowledge of protein production instrument operation, samples preparation and data analysis
• Willingness to learn new techniques such as SPR, NanoDSF and similar approaches
• Demonstrable, in depth experience in protein production
• Proven ability to work independently with initiative, using problem solving and analytical skills
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with staff, students and external stakeholders

Interview date:  To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Jared Cartwright at jared.cartwright@york.ac.uk or tel +44 (0)1904 328797.

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