Download Job Description - Faculty of Biological Sciences

Faculty of Biological Sciences
School of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Summer Research Placement
8 weeks, between June - September
Job Summary
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cause of heart failure in
athletes and young people. About ~1 in 500 people (~120,000 people in the UK)
carry a gene mutation linked to it. Mutations in beta-cardiac myosin heavy chain
(MHC) are a leading cause of HCM and there is a mutational hotspot present in
proximal part of ‘S2’ fragment, a segment of coiled coil found just after the motor
domain. Mutations in this region may affect the flexibility and structure of the motorS2 junction, and impact on force production, and may also lead to protein
mislocalisation in sarcomeres contributing towards a pathological phenotype.
The main aim of this project is to study the influence of single amino acid substitution
mutations in the S2 region of beta-cardiac myosin on its secondary structure and its
localization in cardiomyocytes. Examining the effects of these mutations may help us
to draw a link between the disease phenotype and the underlying molecular
mechanism.
You will gain valuable experience in many techniques, including protein expression
in E.coli, protein purification, SDS-PAGE, circular dichroism and gel filtration. You
will also be involved in wide range of cellular and imaging techniques, such as
confocal microscopy, and cell culture techniques including cell maintenance,
transfection, and handling live adenovirus.
Stipend is £200 per week.
Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Marcin Wolny, email:
[email protected]
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter (200-300 words maximum)
Closing Date: Noon on 9th March 2016
Interviews: 10-11th March 2016
Job Description
Reports to: Dr Marcin Wolny
Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform experimental techniques (such as SDS-PAGE, molecular cloning,
protein purification and cell culture) carefully and to a high standard.

Actively participate in experiment design and data analysis.

Keep detailed and clear records of performed experiments in the form of lab
book.

Prepare and present data in an understandable manner to members of the
research group.
Person Specification
Essential

Ability to carry out complex experimental techniques with high precision (after
instructions).

Excellent communication skills; able to ask for help when needed and explain
your own thought processes.

Ability to work independently after induction period, managing own tasks on a
day-to-day basis with little supervision.

Excellent organisational skills; able to prioritise and complete agreed tasks

Good record-keeping skills.

Willingness to develop and learn new skills.
Desirable
A working knowledge of muscle, and the basic properties of myosin
Additional Information
Details of the terms and conditions of employment for all staff at the university,
including information on pensions and benefits, are available on the Human
Resources web pages accessible via the links on the right hand side, or at
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/hr/index.htm
Criminal Record Disclosures
A Criminal Records Disclosure is not required for this position. However, applicants
who have unspent convictions must indicate this in the ‘other personal details’
section of the application.
Disabled Applicants
The post is located in the Faculty of Biological Sciences. Disabled applicants wishing
to review access to the building are invited to contact the department direct.
Additional information may be sought from the Recruitment Officer, email
[email protected] or tel + 44 (0)113 343 1723.
Disabled applicants are not obliged to inform employers of their disability but will still
be covered by the Disability Discrimination Act once their disability becomes known.
Further information for applicants with disabilities, impairments or health
conditions is available in the applicant guidance.
University Values
All staff are expected to operate in line with the university’s values and standards,
which work as an integral part of our strategy and set out the principles of how we
work together. More information about the university’s strategy and values is
available at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/comms/strategy/