Postdoctoral Researcher Full-time - United Kingdom - The John Innes Centre

Description

Hours per week 37 Project Title Manipulating two-component systems to activate cryptic antibiotic pathways in filamentous actinomycete bacteria Months Duration 36

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Natural Products Chemical Biology to join the laboratories of Professors Barrie Wilkinson and Matt Hutchings at the John Innes Centre based in Norwich, UK.

Actinomycete bacteria make numerous specialised metabolites (SMs), many of which have pharmaceutical and agrochemical potential.

Our proposal focuses on using newly discovered genetic methods for unlocking the biosynthesis of the estimated 90% of their SMs that are genome encoded but not produced under laboratory conditions.

Actinomycete SMs already account for 50% of all known antibiotics and genome sequencing has indicated there are many more waiting to be discovered.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will be responsible for accessing the hidden chemical potential of unique Streptomyces species, deciphering the resulting natural products chemistry, and delineating their biosynthesis.

Barrie Wilkinson (line manager), Matt Hutchings (CoI), Wilkinson & Hutchings group members (especially PDRA in Hutchings lab working on this project), and, as necessary, other researchers, research support staff and students across the Institute.

Percentage Identify, plan, carry out and modify experiments to meet the objectives of the project 60 Prepare results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media 10 Collaborate with colleagues within the Institute in the development of original and world-class research, including contributing to research proposals and grant applications 10 As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees 5 Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence 5 Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities 5 Disseminate research findings through presentations to various audiences at internal, national and international meetings 5
Requirement Importance PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in Biological Chemistry Essential BSc or equivalent in Chemistry or Biochemistry Essential
Requirement Importance In-depth knowledge of natural products chemistry and biology, especially structure elucidation Essential In-depth knowledge of streptomyces microbiology Essential Use of MS for complex structure determination Essential Use of NMR for complex structure determination Essential Protein purification Desirable Microbial molecular genetics Desirable Bioinformatics skills Desirable
Requirement Importance Experience of oral research presentations Essential Proven record in scientific writing Essential Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas in natural product function and chemical ecology Essential Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students Desirable Preparing data / information for grant proposals Desirable

Requirement Importance Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars (reasonable adjustments will be considered).

Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work Essential Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate Essential Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required Essential Attention to detail Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.

Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world.

Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on or nbi.

We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award , recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science.

We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion's programme , a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

Molecular Microbiology
Our holistic approach integrates cellular physiology, molecular genetics (including functional genomics), biochemistry and structural biology. In the Department of Molecular Microbiology we study bacterial metabolism, physiology, gene regulation and development, and plant-bacterial interactions.

Major themes of our work on Gram-negative bacteria are the molecular basis of signal transduction in response to various environmental signals and studies on the biology of ammonia channel proteins which are conserved in all domains of life.

Another major research area is the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis where our studies range from bacterial quorum-sensing and plant-bacterial signalling interactions to the developmental responses of plants to their microbial symbionts.

The Department capitalises on the John Innes Centre's emerging strengths in functional genomics, structural biology and advanced cytological techniques, as well as exploiting novel links between research on bacterial and plant processes.

We are an inter-disciplinary team that includes chemists, biochemists and microbiologists who work on the discovery, biosynthesis, and biosynthetic engineering of microbial natural products.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Salary:
£35,300 – £43,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract: 36 months, full time

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Wilkinson Group at the John Innes Centre, working in collaboration with the Hutchings lab, on a project titled: The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences.

We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits.

Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet , sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally.

Our employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management.

We are an inter-disciplinary team of chemists, biochemists and microbiologists who work on the discovery, biosynthesis, and biosynthetic engineering of microbial natural products.

Actinomycete bacteria make numerous specialised metabolites (SMs), many of which have pharmaceutical and agrochemical potential.

Our proposal focuses on using newly discovered genetic methods for unlocking the biosynthesis of the estimated 90% of their SMs that are genome encoded but not produced under laboratory conditions.

Actinomycete SMs already account for 50% of all known antibiotics and genome sequencing has indicated there are many more waiting to be discovered.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will be responsible for accessing the hidden chemical potential of unique Streptomyces species, deciphering the resulting natural products chemistry, and delineating their biosynthesis.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in natural products chemical biology and Streptomyces microbiology and will have the opportunity to extend them into areas of microbial molecular genetics, protein biochemistry and structural biology.

You will have a PhD in Chemical Biology with in-depth knowledge of bacterial natural products chemistry and biology, especially natural product isolation and structure elucidation, and of biosynthesis and microbiology (ideally working with Streptomyces and related actinomycetes).

You will have a proven ability to perform research and develop novel ideas in natural productschemical biology. Experience of protein biochemistry would be beneficial. Skills in bioinformatics and a provenrecord in scientific writing are highly desirable.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website or contact the Human Resources team on or nbi.

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.
We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity.

As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall's Diversity Champions programme.
grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. #