UK Research and Innovation
BioDeuteration Support Scientist Industrial Placement
Job Location
Didcot, United Kingdom
Job Description
Science and Technology Facilities Council
Salary : £23,328 per annum
Hours : Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months)
Location : Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
Closing date: 20th October 2024
Interview date: December 2024/January 2025 (travel and accommodation will be reimbursed)
Start date: September 2025
Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate.
The Biology Laboratories at the ISIS Neutron and Muon source are facilities for ISIS instrument scientists and visiting researchers to grow, produce, process, analyse and characterise bio logical samples such as live cells, viruses, nanoparticles, proteins, lipids - to name a few - before studying them on beam line.
Deuteration - a replacement of molecular hydrogen with deuterium - is a valuable tool enabling contrast variation in neutron beam studies. Biodeuteration , or deuteration in living systems, allows researchers to obtain deuterated biomolecules in large quantity that is important for neutron research while utilising innate cell processes to incorporate deuterium.
There are two parts to this industrial placement project - (a) production of various perdeuterated proteins in bacteria using established published protocol and (b) researching feasibility of production of perdeuterated cholesterol.
For perdeuterated protein production in bacteria you will be utilising method established by Zoe Fisher and colleagues at ESS ( https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003986118300535 ). Once produced and purified, the proteins will be either crystallised or studied in solution.
The perdeuterated protein crystal standards will be used in single crystal neutron diffraction instruments (WISH and SXD) and possibly at the ILL (LADI instrument) . C ovalently linked deuterated fluorescent proteins in solution are of great interest to our collaborator fr om CLF. It is a model system to investigate quantum effects in biological material due to the well-known isotopic effect. Such investigations will determine levels of proton tunnelling and energy transfer compared to their non-deuterated counterpart. The energy transfer of constructs will be investigated using time-resolved spectroscopies at CLF; the construct structure in solution will be confirmed using small angle neutron scattering at ISIS (SANS2D).
The second part of this project will be researching feasibility of production of another highly desirable perdeuterated molecule - cholesterol. There is a world-wide demand for production of perdeuterated cholesterol that is used in many different applications; it is an important component of cell membrane model. Chemical production of cholesterol is difficult and in efficient. You will be looking into feasibility of deuterated cholesterol production at ISIS. This will be in collaboration with the ISIS D euteration L ead S cientist.
You will b e come part of the ISIS Experimental Operations Support Laboratories Team , providing support for ISIS Instrument Scientists and visiting researchers at ISIS BioLabs . There will be an opportunity for you to attend student conferences and present result s of your research to ISIS internal as well as external audience. If successful, your work could lead to a scientific publication. At the end of the placement year you will master a wide variety of molecular biology as well as biochemistry techni ques, will learn methods of biophysical characterisation of biomolecules and will have an opportunity to analyse produced biomolecules on neutron beamline and at STFC Central Laser Facility (CLF) .
Brief overview of the scheme
STFC's incredibly diverse range of placements allow you to work alongside world leading engineers, scientists, and technicians in highly collaborative environments. Whichever you choose, you will become a critical member of the team in which you will be exposed to exciting projects and challenges from the start. You will be supported every step of the way by our dedicated Early Careers Development Team who will also ensure you benefit from a range of personal development opportunities.
STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days' annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege days, Christmas closure and flexible working hours. For more information on our full list of benefits, please visit here .
About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities
You will be:
To apply for this placement, we are looking for the following:
Key - Shortlisting (S), at Interview (I) or both (S&I)
Essential :
Desirable :
Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.
Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
As one of Europe's largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We're proud of the impact we make. And we're committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You'll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you'll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you'll discover just what a difference you can make when you're equipped and inspired to excel.
We're a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don't, ask questions that others won't, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it's at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It's very often ground-breaking. And it's endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org .
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI .
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce' .
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.
Additional Information
Location: Didcot, GB
Posted Date: 9/19/2024
Salary : £23,328 per annum
Hours : Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months)
Location : Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
Closing date: 20th October 2024
Interview date: December 2024/January 2025 (travel and accommodation will be reimbursed)
Start date: September 2025
Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate.
The Biology Laboratories at the ISIS Neutron and Muon source are facilities for ISIS instrument scientists and visiting researchers to grow, produce, process, analyse and characterise bio logical samples such as live cells, viruses, nanoparticles, proteins, lipids - to name a few - before studying them on beam line.
Deuteration - a replacement of molecular hydrogen with deuterium - is a valuable tool enabling contrast variation in neutron beam studies. Biodeuteration , or deuteration in living systems, allows researchers to obtain deuterated biomolecules in large quantity that is important for neutron research while utilising innate cell processes to incorporate deuterium.
There are two parts to this industrial placement project - (a) production of various perdeuterated proteins in bacteria using established published protocol and (b) researching feasibility of production of perdeuterated cholesterol.
For perdeuterated protein production in bacteria you will be utilising method established by Zoe Fisher and colleagues at ESS ( https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003986118300535 ). Once produced and purified, the proteins will be either crystallised or studied in solution.
The perdeuterated protein crystal standards will be used in single crystal neutron diffraction instruments (WISH and SXD) and possibly at the ILL (LADI instrument) . C ovalently linked deuterated fluorescent proteins in solution are of great interest to our collaborator fr om CLF. It is a model system to investigate quantum effects in biological material due to the well-known isotopic effect. Such investigations will determine levels of proton tunnelling and energy transfer compared to their non-deuterated counterpart. The energy transfer of constructs will be investigated using time-resolved spectroscopies at CLF; the construct structure in solution will be confirmed using small angle neutron scattering at ISIS (SANS2D).
The second part of this project will be researching feasibility of production of another highly desirable perdeuterated molecule - cholesterol. There is a world-wide demand for production of perdeuterated cholesterol that is used in many different applications; it is an important component of cell membrane model. Chemical production of cholesterol is difficult and in efficient. You will be looking into feasibility of deuterated cholesterol production at ISIS. This will be in collaboration with the ISIS D euteration L ead S cientist.
You will b e come part of the ISIS Experimental Operations Support Laboratories Team , providing support for ISIS Instrument Scientists and visiting researchers at ISIS BioLabs . There will be an opportunity for you to attend student conferences and present result s of your research to ISIS internal as well as external audience. If successful, your work could lead to a scientific publication. At the end of the placement year you will master a wide variety of molecular biology as well as biochemistry techni ques, will learn methods of biophysical characterisation of biomolecules and will have an opportunity to analyse produced biomolecules on neutron beamline and at STFC Central Laser Facility (CLF) .
Brief overview of the scheme
STFC's incredibly diverse range of placements allow you to work alongside world leading engineers, scientists, and technicians in highly collaborative environments. Whichever you choose, you will become a critical member of the team in which you will be exposed to exciting projects and challenges from the start. You will be supported every step of the way by our dedicated Early Careers Development Team who will also ensure you benefit from a range of personal development opportunities.
STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days' annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege days, Christmas closure and flexible working hours. For more information on our full list of benefits, please visit here .
About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities
You will be:
- producing deuterated recombinant proteins in bacteria ; other system of recombinant protein production might also be employed
- researching feasibilit y of production of perdeuterated cholesterol and making first steps towards its production
- analysing t he produced biomolecules using equipment and facilities at ISIS , Research Complex at Harwell an d Central Laser Facilites
- actively participating in the experimental design, analysis and troubleshooting
- producing and analysing experimental data
- clearly documenting their findings and reporting them at the internal and external meetings
- supporting the ISIS Biology Laboratories Manager in keeping the BioLab facilities safe, clean and functional
- actively maintaining the Health and Safety standards in the labs
To apply for this placement, we are looking for the following:
Key - Shortlisting (S), at Interview (I) or both (S&I)
Essential :
- Currently enrolled on an undergraduate degree course and returning to university/studies to complete your undergraduate degree following the placement (S)
- Are required or have requested to take an industrial placement year (S)
- Have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement (S)
- Able to commence employment in summer 202 5 (S )
- Taking an undergraduate course in Life Sciences, such as Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics or any other related subject (S&I)
- Have a demonstrable wet laboratory experience either from undertaking practical classes at the University or from previous employment. The examples of wet lab experience are making buffers and solutions, chemical reactions, growing cells, production and analysis of proteins, enzymes, RNA, DNA, lipids or any other similar experience (S&I)
- Enjoy laboratory environment and laboratory work (S&I)
- Hav e excellent practical skill s, enquiring mind and the ability to fix and troubleshoot. The examples can be from either laboratory environment or any other environment such as home, school, interest club, etc (S&I)
- Demonstrate a good understanding of Health and Safety in the Biological Laboratory . Please explain what it means to you (S&I)
- Have a n interest in cell culture, preparation of bio samples and studying of soft matter (cells, proteins, lipids) using neutron beam line, or in either. Please tell us why you would like to be a part of th is ISIS bio deuteration project (S&I)
Desirable :
- Experience of culturing live cells (bacteria, yeast, mammalian or insect cells) (I)
- Previous successful completion of a scientific experiment/project (I)
- Experience of writing COSHH forms and doing Risk Assessments (I)
Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.
Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
As one of Europe's largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We're proud of the impact we make. And we're committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You'll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you'll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you'll discover just what a difference you can make when you're equipped and inspired to excel.
We're a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don't, ask questions that others won't, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it's at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It's very often ground-breaking. And it's endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org .
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI .
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce' .
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.
Additional Information
- Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) - ISIS
- Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
- External Closing Date: Oct 20, 2024
- Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 23,328
- Hours: Full-time
Location: Didcot, GB
Posted Date: 9/19/2024
Contact Information
| Contact | Human Resources UK Research and Innovation |
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