Job description & person
specification
Last updated:
<date>
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post title:
Research Fellow in Chemical Biology
Post number:
Academic Unit/Service:
Chemistry
Career pathway:
ERE
*ERE category:
Level:
Level 4
Research focused
Posts responsible to:
Dr Seung Seo Lee
Posts responsible for:
PhD students and undergraduates in the Lee group
Post base:
Office-based/Non Office-based (see job hazard analysis)
Job purpose
To undertake research in accordance with the specified research project under the supervision
of the research grant holder.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
1.
Synthesis of inhibitors using multiple modern organic chemistry techniques.
30
2.
Protein expression; in vitro analysis and kinetics of protein activity by multiple
methods such as ITC, ELISA, UV/VIS and fluorescence;
35
3.
Screening of compound library against the activity of the target enzyme, and cells 15
4.
Crystallization of protein:inhibitor complexes and refinement of raw structural
data
5
5.
Carry out administrative tasks associated with specified research funding, for
example risk assessment of research activities, organisation of project meetings
and documentation. Implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate
and timely formal reporting and financial control.
5
6.
Regularly disseminate findings by taking the lead in preparing publication
5
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
materials for referred journals, presenting data and results at conferences, and
exhibiting work at other appropriate events.
7.
Postdoctoral Research Fellows are expected to contribute 4 hours per week to teaching or
other tasks e.g. supervision of junior research staff - in Chemistry during the academic
year
5
Internal and external relationships (including nature and purpose of relationships)




Direct responsibility to holder of research award or academic supervisor.
May have additional reporting and liaison responsibilities to external funding bodies or
sponsors.
May be asked to serve on a relevant Academic Unit committee, for example Safety
Committee.
Collaborators/colleagues in other work areas and institutions.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications,
knowledge &
experience
Background in chemical biology,
biological chemistry or
bioorganic chemistry
Experience of protein
crystallography
Experience of modern multistep
organic synthesis and protecting
group manipulation.
Experience of kinetic
characterization/activity
screening of enzymes
Previous experience of
multidisciplinary research
Experience supervising
undergraduates
How to be
assessed
In all cases
assess at
interview,
by
references
and
publication
record.
Experience of molecular biology
techniques including cloning and
protein expression.
Understanding or experience of
research on antimicrobial
resistance of bacteria including
MRSA
Planning &
organising
Must have ability to organise own
research activities to deadline
and quality standards.
Problem solving
& initiative
Must have proven ability to
develop understanding of
complex problems and to apply
in-depth knowledge to address
these.
The ability to develop original
techniques/methods is essential
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Management &
teamwork
Must be willing and able to
Supervisory experience
supervise work of junior research
staff, delegating effectively.
Able to contribute to group
management and administrative
processes.
Must be a good team member
having a positive attitude to
colleagues and students.
Communicating
& influencing
Must be experienced and able in
communicating new and
complex information effectively,
both verbally and in writing,
engaging the interest and
enthusiasm of the target
audience
Presentation and communication
skills - able to present research
results at group meetings and
conferences.
Other skills &
behaviours
Teaching skills at undergraduate
level and contributing to teaching
at postgraduate level.
Special
requirements
Must be capable of working
independently
Project may involve partly
working with collaborators
visiting from overseas
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JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS
OFFICE-BASED POST
If this post is an office-based job with routine office hazards (eg: use of VDU) no further information needs to
be supplied.
NON-OFFICE BASED POST
If this post has some hazards other than routine office (eg: more than use of VDU) please complete the
analysis below.
## - HR will send a full PEHQ to all applicants for this position.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Occasionally
Frequently
Constantly
(<30% of time)
(30-60% of time)
(> 60% of time)
Outside work
N/A
Extremes of temperature (eg: fridge/ furnace)
X
## Potential for exposure to body fluids
N/A
## Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
X
## Exposure to hazardous substances (eg: solvents, liquids, dust, fumes,
biohazards). Specify below:

X
Organic solvents, buffer chemicals
Frequent hand washing
Ionising radiation
X
N/A
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/MACHINES USED
## Food handling
N/A
## Driving university vehicles(eg: car/van/LGV/PCV)
N/A
## Use of latex gloves (prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)
N/A
## Vibrating tools (eg: strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers)
X
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Load manual handling
X
Repetitive crouching/kneeling/stooping
X
Repetitive pulling/pushing
X
Repetitive lifting
X
Standing for prolonged periods
Repetitive climbing (ie: steps, stools, ladders, stairs)
X
X
Fine motor grips (eg: pipetting)
X
Gross motor grips
X
Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
X
Repetitive reaching at shoulder height
X
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
X
PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES
Face to face contact with public
N/A
Lone working
X
## Shift work/night work/on call duties
N/A
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