"Research Assistant in Biophysics (Job Number: 24001483)"

Department of Biosciences

Grade 6: - £29,605 - £30,487 per annum

Fixed Term - Full Time

Contract Duration: 10 Months

Contracted Hours per Week: 35

Closing Date: 28-Aug-2024, 6:59:00 AM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally. 

Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here.

The Department

The Department of Biosciences is composed of 68 academic staff and research fellows; around 50 research and technical support staff; over 90 Research Postgraduate students and over 500 Single Honours undergraduate students. We offer a 3-year BSc degree programme in Biological Sciences and a 4-year MBiol, while also contributing to Natural Sciences. We also run a PGT in Plant Biotechnology with further PGT programmes scheduled for future delivery. Our research and teaching is supported by outstanding research infrastructure in advanced bioimaging (including super-resolution, confocal and electron microscopy), genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, high-performance computing and field research. We promote research at the interface with other disciplines.

The Dept. of Biosciences is currently ranked in the top 5 UK Biology Departments in University league tables (4th in the Guardian University Guide, 5th in The Complete University Guide) and has a 100% internationally recognised research environment (REF2021). Our basic science underpins applications across each-and-every sector of the bio-economy, including Biotechnology, Ecology and Agritechnology. Research programmes are grouped in the following areas: Molecular Plant Sciences; Biomolecular Interactions; Ecology, Evolution and Environment; and Animal Cells and Systems. These groups organise focused seminar series, Research Away Days, manage joint research facilities, oversee mentoring, internal peer review and serve to nucleate larger research projects. Along with our excellent research facilities such as bioimaging, proteomics, metabolomics and genomics we offer a high quality and supportive environment for our research staff. The Dept. of Biosciences partners with other areas of research strength in Durham University including Computational Sciences and Chemistry and encourages multidisciplinary research for Health and Wellbeing. The Department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award. Athena SWAN is a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation and progression. The Department embraces excellence in all of its forms and invites all qualified applicants to apply. We particularly welcome applications from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in the academic sector.

The Role 

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant in Biophysics with a particular emphasis on biomolecular assay development for drug discovery. The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr Liz Morris who is an Assistant Professor in Structural Biology in the Department of Biosciences. Dr Aakash Basu, Assistant Professor in Biophysics also in the Biosciences Department, will be co-supervisor. The aim of the project is to use single-molecule microscopy and other biophysical methods to troubleshoot and optimise fluorescence-based biochemical assays that can be used for high-throughput compound screening at AstraZeneca towards the development of new cancer drugs. The project is funded by a Medical Research Council Impact Acceleration Account and will involve working in collaboration with the assay development team at the pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca, who are based in Cambridge.

The successful applicant will be based at Durham University, working in the laboratories of Dr Liz Morris (based in the Chemistry Dept) and Dr Aakash Basu (based in Biosciences) to carry out experiments, with hands-on training and close supervision provided. You will be required to keep accurate records of your experiments and communicate your findings in regular meetings with the project partners at AstraZeneca. The role will involve visits to AstraZeneca in Cambridge at the start and end of the project. You will additionally be supported to travel to workshops or conferences relevant to the project.

Responsibilities:

• To undertake basic research using fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy to understand the action of enzymes on nucleic acids.
• To contribute to the planning of the research project.
• To analyse the results of research work using existing data analysis methodology.
• To write reports on research progress for the research supervisors at Durham.
• To explain research progress to collaborators at AstraZeneca through presentations and discussion.
• To deal with experimental problems that arise that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines through discussion with supervisors at Durham and collaborators at AstraZeneca.
• To assist in contributing to support student projects on the use of research methods and equipment. 
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses.   

This post is fixed term for 10 months. The successful applicant will ideally be in-post between 1^st November 2024 – 31^st August 2025. The funding for the position is time-limited. However the exact start and end-dates are somewhat flexible (up to a latest end-date of 31^st January 2026).

The 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 contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Working at Durham 

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 39 days per year. 
• The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. 
• A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
• If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

Contact Information 

Department contact for academic-related enquiries 

Dr Liz Morris (liz.morris@durham.ac.uk)

Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application 

If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk 

Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).  

University contact for general queries about the recruitment process 

If you have any queries about the recruitment process, please contact the recruitment team on e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk. 

How to Apply  

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.  

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. 

Submitting your application 

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

What to Submit 

All applicants are asked to submit: 

• a CV and covering letter which details your experience, skills and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria set out below.
• a transcript of your Bachelor’s degree and certificate for your most recent, relevant undergraduate or Post-Graduate degree.

We will notify you on the status of your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails. 

Next Steps 

Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will normally include a presentation followed by questions with an interview panel. We anticipate that the interviews will take place over two days in or around the week starting Monday 16^th September 2024.

In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date. 

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.  

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

1. A good first degree (1^st class or II-1) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or a related subject.

2. A Masters degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or a related subject.

3. Experience in conducting ONE OF the following methodologies: fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy OR biochemical assays involving proteins or nucleic acids. 

4. Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.

5. Demonstrable ability to produce concise and well-written reports for a range of stakeholders.

6. Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.

Desirable Criteria:

7. Experience in protein production or nucleic acid preparation.

8. Experience in Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) or single molecule microscopy.

9. Experience in computationally controlling small equipment such as cameras, motors, microscope stages, or shutters.

10. Experience in the custom analysis of quantitative data using self-written scripts in MATLAB, python, or equivalent programming languages.

11. A demonstrable understanding of the use of biophysical experimental methods to study protein-protein or protein-nucleic acid interactions.

12. Experience of working in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sectors.

13. Experience of conducting high quality academic research, for example demonstrated through contributing to research publications.

14. Demonstrable ability to contribute to the planning and management of independent research. 

15. A PhD (or be close to submission) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or a related subject.