Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Description

The RoleApplications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in synthetic organic chemistry with a particular emphasis on peptide synthesis, characterisation and chemical-biology. The research project is a collaboration between Professor Steven Cobb(Chemistry) and Immunodiagnostic Systems (Boldon, UK).The successful applicant will be expected to design and synthesise novel fluorinated versions of Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is a 39-aa peptide hormone synthesized in the anterior pituitary gland. ACTH increases steroid production e.g. cortisol, and subsequently high levels of steroids control ACTH levels by a negative feedback loop. Detection and monitoring of ACTHlevels in the body are important for range of reasons including in the diagnosis of Cushings disease/syndrome and Addisons Disease. The fluorinated ACTH proteins prepared will be used as 19F NMR probes to elucidate the degradationpathways of ACTH, which will in turn aid in the development and design of improved diagnostic tests.Responsibilities:

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.

This post is fixed term for a period of up to 12 months e.g. funding is available until March 31st 2023The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contributeto the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.How to ApplyFor informal enquiries please contact Professor Steven Cobb. All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.We prefer to receive applications online via the Durham University Vacancies Site.What to SubmitAll applicants are asked to submit:

• A CV and covering letter which details your experience, strengths and potential in the requirements set out above;
• One page research summary covering key research carried out in previous posts.

Next StepsThe assessment for the post will include an online presentation outlining the candidates previous research experience followed by an interview which will contain both technical and non-technical questions. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviewand assessment in February 2022.The RequirementsEssential:

1. Qualifications

• A good first degree in Chemistry
• A PhD (or be close to submission) in Chemistry or a related subject.

1. Experience

• Experience in conducting high quality academic research.
• Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.
• Demonstrable ability to present research papers at national and international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
• Experience in synthetic organic chemistry

1. Skills

• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable:

1. Experience

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
• A track-record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.
• Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.

1. Skills

• Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.

Keyskills :
Organic ChemistryResearch ProposalsInternational ConferencesSymposiaSynthetic