Research Assistant in Protein Logic-Based Cell-Free Biosensors

Job Summary

The Department of Chemical Engineering is seeking a Research Assistant to work on the development of biosensors based on intein-mediated protein logic in cell-free systems. The post is funded by the UKRI and associated with a Marie Sklodowska Curie Action Doctoral Network.  The specific role for this post is to develop biosensors using inteins to compute combinations of signals to enable more sophisticated response.  The biosensors will be deployed in cell-free systems in association with project partners in the consortium.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on a challenging research project at a leading academic institution, within an EU network, and develop multidisciplinary research and leadership skills. To comply with funding conditions, applicants must not have a PhD and must have fewer than 4 years research experience. At the time of selection, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work or studies) in the UK for more than 12 months in the past three years. The successful candidate will be expected to register for PhD at Imperial College.

Duties and responsibilities

You will create a toolbox of intein parts and characterise their behaviour in cell-free systems.  The toolbox will then be used to develop, fabricate, and test biosensor designs using logic functions such as AND, OR, NOT, etc..  Working with other members of the consortium, you will integrate these into biosensors for real-world applications.  As part of this, you will measure key characteristics such as signal-to-noise ratio, limit of detection and response time.

Essential requirements

The following essential knowledge, skills & experience are sought:

• MRes, MSc, or equivalent in biological sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
• Practical experience in a broad range of molecular biology techniques
• Practical experience with fluorescence measurements in biological systems
• Practical experience with inteins and intein splicing reactions
• Knowledge of cell-free protein synthesis systems.
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team

Further Information

The contract will run for 36 months in the first instance, with the possibility of an extension thereafter. The post is based in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London (South Kensington Campus).

Informal enquiries about the post can be made to Professor Karen Polizzi (k.polizzi@imperial.ac.uk )

To apply, please click the “Apply now” button at the top of the page. You will find this vacancy by searching either the position title or job number: ENG02286.  Candidates will need to complete an online application.

Further information about the post is available in the job description.

Should you have any queries about the application process please contact chemeng.staffing@imperial.ac.uk .

Closing date: Midnight on Tuesday 11 October 2022

For technical issues when applying online please email recruitment@imperial.ac.uk

We are committed to equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We therefore encourage candidates to apply irrespective of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation. We are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Disability Confident Leader and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.