Research Fellow in X-ray Crystallography of Immune Complexes

Molecular and Precision Biosciences

Location:  Highfield Campus
Salary:   £34,980 to £42,978 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term for 6 months
Closing Date:  Wednesday 17 January 2024
Interview Date:   To be confirmed
Reference:  2574424BJ

We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic researcher with experience in X-ray crystallography of immune complexes to join the Glycoprotein Therapeutics Laboratory within Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton.

About the role:

Within the glycotherapeutics lab we perform mammalian and bacterial protein purification using AKTA systems and diagnostic tests using HPLC and FPLC. You’ll need to have basic knowledge of the above systems and be comfortable using SPR to analyse protein binding kinetics.

Our Glycoprotein Therapeutics Laboratory led by Prof. Max Crispin, is predominantly focused on developing anti-viral vaccines and new antibody-based therapies against cancer (https://www.southampton.ac.uk/biosci/about/staff/mdc1n17.page ).

In the Glycoprotein Therapeutics Laboratory we exploit the glycan modifications of proteins in the design of vaccines candidates and glycoprotein-based therapeutics. We have a particular interest in vaccine design against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and in the development of novel antibody-based cancer therapeutics. This involves understanding how glycans impact on protein and viral function, how they are structured, and how they can be manipulated for therapeutic applications.

About you:

This exciting new role requires someone with the skills necessary to express and purify both mammalian and bacterial proteins for crystallographic studies. You’ll need knowledge of protein crystallography and if you have performed crystallography on immune complexes and antibody fragments that would be very advantageous.

You’ll need to have had previous experience using AKTA systems for protein purification. Ideally you’ll have experience in performing size exclusion chromatography to purify protein complexes and be competent in setting up screens and fishing crystals. You should be proficient in using the CCP4 software package to solve and refine structures.

What we can offer you:

You’ll be joining a well-established collegial group and will help contribute to its growing success by being proactive and collaborative.

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.

Application procedure

This post is suitable for researchers with previous experience in a biological laboratory environment.

For additional information/informal enquiries before submitting your application, contact Dr John Butler, [email protected] .

Please include a covering letter and full CV in your application.

Please note that applications from agencies will not be accepted unless indicated in the job advert.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.