Research Associate (Fixed Term) at University of Cambridge

Applications are invited to a post-doctoral position to work on a British Heart Foundation funded project in the group of Dr Wei Li. Our group have recently published the crystal structures of bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II (BMPRII) in complex with its ligand BMP10 (Nature Communication 2022). We revealed that BMPRII binding surface on BMP10 is highly dynamic and BMPRII:BMP10 interactions are weaker in the ternary signalling complex than the binary complex. As mutations in BMPR2 is the major genetic cause for heritable form of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), we wish to undertake a drug discovery project based on our crystal structures.

The work will be carried out in the Victor Philip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute (VPD-HLRI). This new institute and building provide an exceptional and stimulating environment that promotes collaborative and interdisciplinary research, with state-of-the-art facilities, and is housed on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus adjacent to the Papworth Hospital and AstraZeneca Discovery Centre.

Recent publications related to this project include: Guo et al Nat Commun. 2022 PMID: 35504921;  Li & Morrell, Encyclopedia of Cell Biology, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128216187002467, Salmon, et al, Nat Commun, 2020 PMID: 32238803; Wood et al, Biochem Soc Trans, 2019, PMID: 31127068.

The ideal candidate will have training in molecular biology and protein biochemistry that have a background in making constructs for expressing recombinant proteins using different expression systems, protein purification using different chromatography columns, as well as characterisation of protein-protein interactions using different biochemical and biophysical methods. Experience in structural biology, small molecule library screen, mammalian cell signalling assays or other biophysical and analytical assays are all helpful. The successful candidate will have self-motivation, good organisation skills as well as the ability to effectively manage time and priorities.

Candidates should have (or be about to receive) a PhD in a relevant discipline and have a capacity to apply initiative and creativity to solve biological problems.

Applicants will be expected to work closely and interactively with colleagues in different disciplines within the lab and have good communications skills.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD, or an equivalent research doctorate. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Funds for this position are available for 2.5 years in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the apply button above.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Closing Date: 3rd September 2023

Interview Date: to be confirmed

Please quote reference RC38128 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.