Job Description
Job title:
Department/School:
Grade:
Location:
Research Associate
Biology & Biochemistry
7
Claverton Down, 3 South
Job purpose
The research associate will investigate the mechanisms by which the transporter
BceAB controls signalling to mediate antimicrobial peptide resistance in the
model organism Bacillus subtilis.
Source and nature of management provided
Principal Investigator: Dr Susanne Gebhard
Staff management responsibility
None, although the research associate may be asked to assist with the
supervision of other staff, including technical staff as well as visiting scholars and
students affiliated with the lab.
Career and Professional Development Activities
From time to time you may be asked to assist in the facilitation of CPD activities.
This will form part of your substantive role and you will not receive additional
payment for these activities.
Special conditions
Compliance with all relevant Codes of Practice and regulations for the University and
relevant discipline.
Main duties and responsibilities
1 Plan, optimize and execute targeted (incl. Cys-scanning, domain-swapping)
and random mutant construction and screening experiments
2 Analyse proteins for interaction with known or suspected partner proteins
(incl. Cys-crosslinking, fluorescent protein co-localisation, etc.)
3 Draft manuscripts for publication and present research at national and
international meetings
4 Support other lab members in experimental design and assist with student
supervision
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Conduct individual and/or collaborative research projects. Take a lead in the
experimental design and execution of the project. Collect and analyse existing
data related to the project using qualitative and quantitative techniques
Project management: e.g. timetabling and meeting project milestones;
participating in regular discussions with collaborative partners. Liaise with key
stakeholders/industrial partners and conduct focus groups
Participate regularly in group meetings and prepare and deliver presentations to
project team, internal and external stakeholders or funders.
Continually update knowledge and understanding in field or specialism to inform
research activity.
Identify sources of funding and provide assistance with preparing bids to funding
bodies contribute to securing of funds for research.
You will from time to time be required to undertake other duties of a similar nature
as reasonably required by your line manager.
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Appendix B
Person Specification
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Assessed by
A/F
Qualifications
A PhD in Microbiology or Biochemistry,
or an equivalent professional
qualification (or equivalent standard for
overseas applicants)
x
Experience/Knowledge
Postdoctoral experience in bacterial
molecular biology or protein-protein
interactions
I/T
x
x
x
Demonstrates significant depth and
breadth of specialist knowledge of
subject matter
x
Demonstrates awareness of latest
developments in the field of research and
in research design
x
Demonstrates potential to publish in high
quality, peer reviewed journals
x
Expertise in bacterial molecular
biology, strain construction and
functional characterisation of bacteria
x
x
x
x
Skills
Ability to prepare research plans, to
conduct individual research work and to
analyse and interpret results
R
x
x
x
x
x
x
Ability to organise and prioritise own
workload
x
x
Ability to write research reports and to
effectively disseminate outcomes
x
x
Excellent oral, interpersonal and written
communication skills
x
Proficiency in IT skills
x
x
x
Expertise in protein localisation studies
and/or fluorescence microscopy
x
x
x
Bioinformatics skills
x
x
x
Human Resources
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x
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Appendix B
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Assessed by
A/F
I/T
R
Attributes
Innovation and developing creative
solutions
x
x
x
Enthusiasm and self-motivation.
x
x
x
Organisation – able to plan and deliver
work to meet required deadlines
x
x
x
Tenacity – working to achieve own and
team objectives and to overcome
obstacles
x
x
x
Ability to be an effective team worker
x
x
x
Good lab citizen
x
x
x
Code: A/F – Application form, I/T – Interview/Test, R – References
Human Resources
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