Download Job profile - Queen Mary University of London

Job Profile
Job Description
Job Details
Job Title:
Postdoctoral Research Assistant, working in Physical biochemistry
(EPR spectroscopy & membrane proteins)
School:
School of Biological & Chemical Sciences
Reports to:
Senior Lecturer in Plant Cell & Molecular Biology and Lecturer in Chemistry and
Biochemistry
Grade:
4
Full Time
Appointment period: 6 months
Current Location:
Mile End
Job Context
As a member of the prestigious Russell group, QMUL is one of UK’s leading research-focused higher
education institutions, where multidisciplinary research is carried out at the highest level. The EPR facility at
the SBCS is exceptionally well-equipped and includes spectrometers at X-/Q- and W-band frequencies and
a state-of-the-art closed-cycle cryostat enabling measurements down to 1.6 K.
Job Purpose
To undertake research under the supervision of Dr Guy Hanke and Dr Maxie Roessler (Queen Mary
University of London) in order to realise the objectives a project entitled “Increasing plant stress tolerance
by unravelling and exploiting the mechanism of the photosynthetic NDH complex”
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Research
 Responsible, under the general guidance of Dr Maxie Roessler and Dr Guy Hanke, for undertaking the
programme of work.
 Conduct innovative research and any other relevant activities as required by the research
programme.

Collect data and undertake any appropriate analysis of data as requested.

Prepare reports of appropriate research results for public presentation through seminars and
conferences.

Contribute to writing papers summarising research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals
of high international standing. Contribute to other reports where necessary.

Maintain appropriate databases, keeping accurate written and computerised records and to ensure
that these records are stored in a secure place and to maintain confidentiality of all electronically
stored personal data in line with the provisions of the Data Protection Act.
Undertake literature and database searches for the research project, keeping up to date with
developments in the subject area.



Be able to interpret and present the findings of the literature searches and advise the research teams
appropriately regarding potential projects as required by the supervisor.
Work with external collaborators as agreed with the supervisors.


Assist in the supervision of student projects and PhD projects, as necessary.
Encourage interaction between team members.
1
Job Profile
Job Description
Main Duties & Responsibilities


Assist in writing health & safety policies, local rules and standard operating procedures as part of the
programme of work
Ensure that appropriate risk assessment procedures are followed and documented
General
 Deal with projects in a professional manner using judgement and discretion.


Be co-operative and flexible, undertaking other duties as may from time to time be reasonably required
of a member of research grade staff in a university.
Participate in the College Appraisal Scheme and demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional
development.
The above list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and the jobholder may be required to undertake
other duties commensurate with the level of the role, as reasonable requested by their line manager.
This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary
from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or level of the responsibility
entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot in themselves justify a
reconsideration of the grading of the post.
2
Job Profile
Person Specification
This table lists the essential and desirable requirements needed in order to perform the job
effectively. Candidates will be shortlisted based on the extent to which they meet these
requirements.
Essential
/
Desirable
Requirements
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) or MSci (or equivalent) degree in either Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related field
PhD (awarded or reasonably expected to be awarded within 6 months) or equivalent
experience in which biophysical methods and work on proteins comprise a major component
of research
E
E
Experience
Experience of overexpression, purification and characterisation of proteins
E
Experience with membrane proteins
D
Experience with cyanobacteria
D
Experience in EPR spectroscopy; candidates without a background in EPR spectroscopy will
be expected to have a keen interest to learn the technique
D
Record of scientific publications that provide evidence of the above
E
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Understanding of the research process
E
Ability to organise and prioritise own work and coordinate others with the regard to effective
use of resources
E
Understanding of Health & Safety regulations & procedures relevant to research
E
Good communication skills to enable clear written guidance and contributions to research
E
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, resolving potential problems independently
where appropriate
E
Ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date records
E
Proven record of use and analysis of continuous wave and pulsed EPR techniques (e.g.
ENDOR, ESEEM) at multiple frequencies
D
Willingness to carry out work in the two laboratories at QMUL involved in the project, and to
liaise effectively with collaborators in Argentina
E
Self-motivated and hardworking
E
Ability to work alone or co-operatively as part of a team
E
Willingness and ability to learn new skills and experimental techniques
E
Willingness to work flexibly in order to achieve project demands.
E – Essential: Requirements without which the job could not be done.
D – Desirable: Requirements that would enable the candidate to perform the job well.
3
E