Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biochemistry

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Durham University

Location: Durham, Other, United Kingdom
Category: Biochemistry
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Job Description

The Role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biochemistry with a particular emphasis on DNA biochemistry and next-generation sequencing. This project will seek to understand how chemical alterations to DNA, such as epigenetic modifications like methylation, impact its local mechanical and structural properties in a sequence-dependent manner. Subsequently, the project will seek to generate foundational knowledge regarding how broad biological processes that chemically alter DNA impact critical DNA:protein interactions by controlling the mechano-structural properties of DNA.

The role is funded by a BBSRC grant. The project will involve a range of inter-disciplinary techniques including wet-lab molecular biology, next-generation DNA sequencing, and computational analysis of genomic and sequencing data.

The role has a fixed length of three years, pending a satisfactory probationary period of one year. The role is expected to start in October 2024. The successful candidate will be working with Dr Aakash Basu (Department of Biosciences) at Durham University.

Key responsibilities:

To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
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 participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.