Technician

Role Description

Department

Applications are invited for a technician for up to 12 months to support the group's efforts in understanding the molecular mechanism of dsDNA virus assembly using bacteriophage HK97 as a model system. You will work in the York Structural Biology Laboratory within the Department of Chemistry, providing technical and scientific support to the research project.

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest and most successful departments at York and we are renowned internationally for our research. As a department, we strive to provide a working environment that allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We are proud of our Athena SWAN Gold Award.

Role

You will: (i) produce and purify herpesvirus portal proteins variants; (ii) generate potential inhibitors using AI approaches, (iii) determine 3D structure of complexes using cryo-EM and (iv) analyse structural data to understand the molecular mechanism of inhibition.

Key responsibilities will include: -

• Work effectively on own initiative and also with other staff and students to help solve problems
• Plan and perform experiments using a range of scientific techniques
• Be responsible for the maintenance, modification, repair and operation of technical equipment, liaise with appropriate staff and external service providers as required
• Pro-actively update and improve processes, maintain accurate records, contribute to the development of protocols, standard operating procedures and maintenance schedules
• Understand, promote and apply COSHH/Risk Assessment and departmental health and safety protocols ensuring procedures are followed at all times.
• Manage a small budget, monitor resource usage, assist with purchasing including ordering and distributing goods.
• Provide inductions, training and demonstrations of specialist techniques ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed

• HNC, HND, Degree or equivalent in appropriate science discipline or experience
• RSciTech / EngTech or willingness to work towards these or equivalent professional qualifications
• In depth knowledge of relevant safety regulations and procedures for example, COSHH and risk assessment
• Expertise in protein design and analysis of protein interactions using AlphaFold and ChimeraX
• Experience and theoretical knowledge in production and purification of viral proteins involved in virus-host interactions
• Experience in bacterial cell culture techniques, site-directed mutagenesis and western blotting
• Competent in the use of advanced technical equipment and techniques using a variety of specialist technical skills
• Ability to perform complex technical tasks and to analyse and interpret data and explain to others
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and maintain a positive, open attitude towards others
• Actively demonstrates a commitment to professional development
• Dependable, reliable and self-motivated
• Commitment to and understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion issues

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Prof Fred Antson on fred.antson@york.ac.uk

The Department of Chemistry values all employees for the qualities and skills they bring to the workplace and aims to be a diverse and egalitarian community in which all can thrive.

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