PDRA in Membrane Proteomics

The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a national research centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology. Recently, we were awarded a Wellcome Trust Discovery Award to investigate the nature of the Gram-negative bacteria outer membrane. As part of this project, we are currently looking for a science driven, but community oriented Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our proteomics group.

One of the major goals of the role is to improve technologies for the characterisation of membrane proteins initially in terms of discovering the complete protein inventory (including copy numbers) but then rapidly moving towards studying specific protein complex formation and the role of their lipid environment. The PDRA will be charged with creating maps of the membrane proteome for a number of gram-negative bacteria including E. Coli. Furthermore, protein interfaces both to proteins and lipids will be characterised through crosslinking approaches. The PDRA will be embedded within a larger consortium spanning multiple disciplines and institutes including Oxford University and UCL.

The successful candidate will have access to a range of state-of-the-art mass spectrometry instrumentation which includes several bespoke mass spectrometers that incorporate most if not all high-performance analysers and activation techniques including an Exploris 480-omnitrap instrument containing UVPD, HCD, IRMPD and several flavours of ExD. The successful candidate will develop approaches to allow the detection of lipid-protein and protein-protein interfaces and their wider impact on the outer membrane., The main specific responsibilities of this role will include:

• Hyphenate LCs to a range of state-of-the-art mass spectrometers.


• Characterise a range of protein, lipid and proteolipid samples using a range of mass spectrometers and fragmentation regimes.


• Carry out analytical procedures that are applied for protein crosslinking characterisation to a high degree of precision including sample preparation.


• Analyse quantitative proteomic data with a degree of statistical rigour using common freely available software packages.


• Help to devise then create proteomic methodologies to address protein-protein and protein-lipid complexes.


• Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues and other research groups.


• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.


• Contribute to the public engagement in science programme of the Franklin.
  
  Practical experience with several mass spectrometer types including orbitraps.


• Practical experience with several fragmentation approaches utilised in the field of biomolecular mass spectrometry.


• Ability to carry out analytical procedures that are applied for proteome, lipidome and crosslinked protein characterisation to a high degree of precision.


• Ability to analyse quantitative proteomic data with a degree of statistical rigour using common freely available software packages.


• Familiarity with a wide range of chromatographies employed in proteomics and lipidomics.


• Practical experience with hyphenating LCs to mass spectrometers.


• Experience with protein chemistry and standard bioanalytical approaches.


• Practical experience with proteomics mass spectrometry.
  
  25 days holidays plus bank holidays and Christmas holiday shutdown


• Generous pension scheme (employer's contribution currently up to 18%)


• Group Life Assurance (also known as Group Life Insurance or Death in Service)


• Hub building with state-of-the-art laboratories


• Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels


• Bus pass discount scheme and good transport links to Oxford and surrounding areas


• Cycle to Work Scheme


• Access to employee discount platform (Perkbox)


• Occupational Health and wellbeing support including Employee Assistance (24/7 support and counselling)


• Health Cash Plan


• Subsidised canteen and food outlets on campus


• Free on-site parking


• Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff


Before submitting your application please ensure you read the Job Information Pack for full details of this role on our website.

About us: The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a new national Research Centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology.

Location: The Franklin is based in Harwell Campus, UK's innovation hub and well-established as one of the leading science and innovation campuses in Europe.

The Franklin's underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it. For further information, view our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.