The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics
Job title:
Grade:
Reporting to:
Tenure:
Funding:
Postdoctoral researcher in chemical proteomics
7 (£28,983 - £35,646 with a discretionary range to £38,951)
Group head - Benedikt Kessler
FTC to 28th February 2011 in the first instance
The Central Proteomics Facility
Research interest
The group is interested in exploring the biological function of proteolytic enzymes involved in protein
turnover and processing of antigens (Ubiquitin Proteasome System), and how these pathways are
exploited by pathogens and also altered in a number of disease pathologies.
The research project entails a chemistry based strategy to generate novel active site molecular probes
specific for deubiquitinating enzymes. Removal of ubiquitin from proteins by deubiquitinating enzymes
(DUBs) is generally an important regulatory strategy affecting vital cellular functions. Altered
deubiquitination is linked to cancer, neurodegeneration and immunopathology. The proposed project
will profile active DUBs in the context of a variety of different cellular models including cancer, aging and
neurodegeneration. In particular, it is planned to further develop ubiquitin based probes by the
incorporation of a fluorescent moiety and its application for in-cell imaging. These studies may uncover
important new insights into the role of DUBs in cancer progression, neurodegeneration and aging,
thereby providing novel entry points for pharmacological interventions.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual with previous expertise in chemistry and biochemistry. The
ideal candidate will be willing to develop and conduct synthetic organic chemistry and apply
technologies for protein isolation and characterization using proteomics. The successful applicant will
have a Ph.D. in Chemistry or Biochemistry and is expected to design and conduct chemical synthesis and
biochemistry experiments independently. In addition, the candidate will be involved in the maintenance
of analytical equipment and interpretation of mass spectrometry results as a contribution to the
proteomics technology platform. Training will be provided in all aspects of the biochemistry and mass
spectrometry related work, especially in the less standard protocols.
Main responsibilities
 To actively participate in the development of active site molecular probes for activitybased profiling of DUBs.
 To take responsibility for all chemistry and participate in proteomics related experimental
techniques in the laboratory (category safety level).
 To help maintain the day-to-day operations of analytical equipment for biochemistry and
proteomics that includes an HPLC and LC-MS/MS mass spectrometry instrumentation.
 To carry out biochemistry experiments for protein purification and characterization
(including by proteomics).
 To be responsible with others for the daily housekeeping of the laboratory and
performing tasks including solution preparation, stock control of laboratory consumables,
collecting goods from stores and general laboratory management.
 To contribute to duties to ensure the efficient running of the laboratory.
 To be responsible with others for the biological safety of the laboratory.
Communication
 To communicate with the group head and other members of the group on a daily basis,
ensuring the update with progress and difficulties in the research project.
 To participate in and contribute directly to scientific discussions with other members of
the research group.
 To maintain confidentiality regarding research data when interacting with noncollaborating researchers.
Education and Training
 To attend appropriate scientific seminars, meetings and training courses in novel
technologies and experimental methods.
 To participate in the education and training of other staff as necessary and appropriate.
 Once trained the post holder’s performance will be continually monitored to ensure that
the required standard of accuracy and efficiency is maintained.
General Responsibilities
 To act at all times in the interest of the group and Centre to ensure good laboratory
practice.
 To ensure that work in the laboratory is conducted safely and, in particular, that they
undertake work using appropriate safety procedures in the dedicated areas.
 To conduct themselves with due regard to the University Equal Opportunities and Data
Protection policies.
Knowledge and skills
We are seeking a highly motivated individual with previous expertise in chemistry and
proteomics. Previous experience in proteomics is preferred but not necessary. The ideal
candidate is willing to learn novel and state-of-the art technologies for protein isolation and
characterization using proteomics. The successful applicant will have a Ph.D. in Chemistry or
Biochemistry. The candidate is expected to design and conduct chemical synthesis and
biochemical experiments independently. Training will be provided in all aspects of the mass
spectrometry related work, especially in the less standard protocols. The applicant must have
an adaptable approach to work and a willingness to tackle a variety of tasks. Support and
troubleshooting guidance will always be available. Standard laboratory techniques such as
organic chemistry, chemical synthesis, biochemistry, initial experience with analytical
instruments including liquid chromatography, IR, NMR, MS is required. Also, basic skills in
computing including word-processing, data analysis, and a flair for learning new software is
preferable. Web design, database setup and programming are beneficial but not a
requirement. The work environment will be an opportunity for creative learning and
involvement in all aspects of research projects.
Selection criteria
Essential
 A PhD in Chemistry or Biochemistry.
 Extensive expertise in the field of chemistry and organic synthesis.
 Expertise in experimental methods in biochemistry, such as protein purification and
characterization (FPLC, HPLC, 1D and 2D gel electrophoresis).
 Experience in mass spectrometry data handling and interpretation.
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A responsible nature with a methodical and careful approach to working in the
laboratory.
The ability to communicate results clearly and to discuss scientific ideas.
The ability for self-motivation, to organize work-time efficiently and to perform
experiments accurately using a defined protocol.
An active interest in undertaking scientific research and motivation to participate in
courses and training sessions.
A background in either chemistry, biology, physical or analytical chemistry.
Desirable
 Good experience in IT/bioinformatics, creation of websites, databases, programming skills
 Previous experience with LC-MS and MS/MS tandem mass spectrometers
Working for the University of Oxford
At the University of Oxford, we’re naturally very proud of our understanding reputation for
scholarship and research. But we’re also proud to say that we’re one of the region’s biggest and
best-established employers, with a diversity of staff helping to sustain our success – from
laboratory assistants, cleaners, technicians and secretaries, to IT, finance and administrative
professionals. Join us, and you can expect to find yourself working in a friendly, open-minded
atmosphere where your ideas will be welcomed, with an interesting and satisfying job to do,
and with plenty of opportunities to learn new skills, or maybe even get some extra
qualifications.
As well as pay and other benefits such as generous holidays and excellent pension scheme, we
may be able to help you with:

Training – We train our staff, both in the skills needed for starting the job, and to help
them develop afterwards. If you don’t have all the skills we are looking for (e.g.
computer packages), but you know you are a quick learner, its worth asking if training
might be available.

Working Hours – We may be able to be flexible about working patterns to help you
combine work with responsibilities at home. Even for full-time jobs, we can often adjust
starting and finishing times, or even sometimes consider term-time-only working: if this
is important to you, let us know.

Disability – If you have a disability, we have specialist staff who can help you to start
and stay in work.

Childcare – We have several subsidised nurseries for under-fives, a holiday play scheme,
tax and national insurance savings schemes, and are looking to expand our facilities. For
further information see www.admin.ox.ac.uk/eop/child.

Parenting – The University has a generous maternity leave scheme and also offers
paternity leave to expectant fathers and partners, and adoption leave. It offers
subsidised nursery places, and tax and National savings schemes. However, please note
that there is a long waiting list for nursery places. It is particularly important to refer to
the website http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/eop/child for further information including up
to date information about the length of the waiting list and alternative sources of
information about childcare in the Oxford

Cultural and Religious needs – We respect the cultural and religious lives of our staff. If
you need time away from work, or special facilities, and can give plenty of notice for
arrangements to be made, this will always be considered.

Travel Arrangements – We offer an interest free-season ticket loan scheme for bus or
train season tickets. Annual passes for Oxford Bus Company routes are available at
discounted rates.

Use of University Facilities – All University staff can use the study facilities provided by
the University libraries and museums; join the University Club, a sports and social club
which has its own bar, café, and reading room; and make use of the University Sports
Complex and the Pulse fitness centre.

Discounts – A number of discounts are available to University staff e.g. for insurance,
holiday travel, and computer equipment.
The range of benefits is continuously reviewed and extended. For further information see
www.admin.ox.ac.uk/ps/staff/benefits/
If you come from outside the area, you may be interested to know that as well as the famous
tourist attractions such as the ‘dreaming spires’ of all the lovely old buildings, the river and a
number of attractive parks and gardens, Oxford also has a busy shopping centre and a lively
nightlife, particularly during term time. Housing is relatively expensive within the city, but
nearby areas such as Didcot or Bicester are more reasonable priced. Although car parking is
difficult during the day, there are good train and bus services, including several ‘Park and Ride’
routes; and of course, lots of cycle paths.
Pay and Benefits
The salary offered for full-time appointment to this job is University Grade 7, (£28,983 - £35,646
with a discretionary range to £38,951) depending on qualifications and experience. If you are
appointed at a salary below the top of this range, your salary will automatically be increased
each year until you have reached the top point.
There is also an annual ‘cost of living’ salary review, which normally takes place in summer each
year. Pay and benefits for part-time appointments are worked out on a ‘pro rata’ basis.
For a full – time appointment, the annual holiday entitlement will be 38 days (including 8 public
holidays). Your hours of work are such as are reasonably required to carry out your duties to the
satisfaction of your head of department.
The appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a 6 month probationary period, during
which the notice period will be one month on either side. Once the appointment has been
confirmed, the notice period will be three months either side. The post is available for 3 years in
the first instance and will be funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Staff
The age of retirement for university appointments is 65. Staff are eligible to join the Universities
Superannuation Scheme (USS) which is a contributory scheme. Subject to the Statement of
Pensions Policy, which will be issued to the successful candidate, the appointee will be deemed
to be in membership of the USS until such time as he or she gives notice in writing to exercise
the right not to be a member of the scheme.
The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics has a NO SMOKING policy.
How to apply
To apply, please write a letter of application and send a detailed CV and return it to:
Personnel Administrator
Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics
Roosevelt Drive
Oxford
OX3 7BN
or by fax to 01865 287516 or email to personnel@well.ox.ac.uk by no later than Thursday 30th
September 2010. Applicants received after this date will not be considered. Please make sure
you quote reference number H5-10-051-BK at the beginning of your application.
The list of duties and the ‘selection criteria’ for this job describe the sort of skills, experience,
knowledge or abilities which we are looking for. We will interview those whose applications best
meet these criteria, so it is very important that you should use your application to explain how
you can match them. Remember that you will have gained abilities, experience and skills from
many aspects of your life; some may come from education or work, and others from home or
community life. Tell us about which schools or colleges you went to and any qualifications you
have. List employment, voluntary work, hobbies, or family responsibilities which help to show
you meet the selection criteria.
Please give the names, addresses and telephone numbers of two people you are prepared to
give you a reference for this job. If you have previously been employed, your referees should be
people who have direct experience of your work through closely working with you for a
considerable period, and at least one of them should be your formal line manager in your most
recent job. Otherwise they can be people who know you from recent college, school, or
voluntary experience. It is helpful if you can tell us briefly how each referee knows you (e.g. ‘line
manager’. ‘Work colleague’, ‘college tutor’). Your referees will be asked to look at the job
details and tell us if, in their opinion, you could do the job. We will assume that we can approach
them at any stage unless you tell us otherwise when you apply. So, if you wish us to ask for your
permission before approaching a particular referee, or to contact them only under your
circumstances (for example if we are calling you for a interview, or if we have made you a
conditional offer), you must state this explicitly alongside the details of the relevant referee(s).
Your appointment will be subject to (i) the return of a completed medical questionnaire which is
acceptable to the University, (ii) the provision of original documentation which indicates your
right to work in the UK, and (iii) the completion of an initial probationary period of 6 months.
Equal opportunities at the University of Oxford
As an Equal Opportunity employer, we positively encourage applications from people of
different backgrounds. All our jobs are filled in line with our equal opportunities code of
practice, which helps us make sure that men and women, people of different races, and those
with disabilities are all treated fairly.
If you have any questions about equal opportunities at the University of Oxford, please visit our
website at www.admin.ox.ac.uk/eop
POLICY STATEMENT
The policy and practice of the University of Oxford require that all staff are afforded equal
opportunities within the employment and that entry into employment with the University and
progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application
of criteria which are related to the duties of each particular post and the relevant salary
structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. Subject to
statutory provisions, no applicant or member of staff will be treated less favourably than
another because of his or her sex, martial status, sexual orientation, racial group, or disability.
General Responsibilities
To participate and support public engagement activities on behalf of the Centre, working with the
Centre’s Public Engagement and Communications Officer. This is anticipated to be around 2 days
per year.
Data Protection
All data supplied by applicants will be used only for the purpose of determining their suitability
for the post, and will be held in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998
and the University’s Data Protection Policy.
Please note due to the volume of applications we receive, it will only be possible for us to
respond to those shortlisted.