Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist

Job title: Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist – Targeted Protein Degradation in M. tuberculosis

Reporting to: Francesca Ester Morreale, Group Leader

Contact term: This is a full-time, fixed term (2 years) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Salary for this Role: From £45,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Note - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled

About the Role

The Morreale Lab at the Francis Crick Institute is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary research programme focused on targeted protein degradation in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

This position is funded by the END2AMR (European Novel Drug Research to Address Microbial Infections and Drug Resistance) consortium, bringing together leading academic groups, research institutes, SMEs and industry partners to develop innovative antibacterial modalities and delivery technologies in a highly collaborative, translational research environment.

The successful candidate will lead their own project which will combine molecular microbiology and protein biochemistry with hands-on experimental work in Containment Level 3 (CL3) laboratories for M. tuberculosis–related experiments. Full CL3 training will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform microbiology experiments involving mycobacterial species, including work with M. tuberculosisunder CL3 containment.
• Design and perform molecular cloning and genetic engineering experiments.
• Express, purify and characterise bacterial proteins, and carry out biochemical, enzymatic and interaction assays.
• Contribute to the setup and optimisation of proteomics workflows.
• Contribute to the development of tools for targeted protein degradation in mycobacteria.
• Analyse and interpret data, maintain accurate laboratory records and present findings within the lab, institute and consortium meetings.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and contribute to collaborative reports and grant-related activities.
• Lead their own project and support junior researchers.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive and collaborative lab environment.

Key experience and competencies

Essential

• PhD (or close to completion) in microbiology, molecular biology or a related discipline.
• Strong experimental experience in microbiology, molecular cloning and bacterial genetics.
• Previous CL3 experience or willingness to undergo CL3 training.
• Previous experience in protein biochemistry, including protein expression and purification, or willingness to undergo training.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Excellent organisational, analytical and communication skills.

Desirable

• Previous experience working with Mycobacterium tuberculosisor other mycobacterial species.

• Previous experience with drug discovery projects, including MIC determination and high-throughput assay setup.
• Previous experience with proteomics workflows.
• Previous experience with biophysical techniques (e.g. ITC, SPR, FP).

How to apply

Applicants should submit:

A cover letter outlining the motivation for joining the Morreale Lab. A CV including publication list. Contact details for at least two academic referees.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

About Us

At the Crick, we conduct research at the forefront of biomedical research. We combine rigour with an open and collaborative culture, and are outward-looking, reflecting our status as a partnership of six organisations aiming to pool knowledge, ideas and resources.

We have a wide research portfolio with no divisions or departments, bringing biomedical researchers together with clinicians, physical scientists and applied scientists from our pharmaceutical partners.

We aim to attract the most talented researchers and support them to tackle innovative research questions. Our science technology platforms provide our researchers with access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise.

We provide an excellent learning environment with dedicated education programmes in public engagement with science, education and personal development, and a postdoc training programme that prepares scientists for leadership roles in science.