Research Fellow (Biochemistry/Chemistry)

The School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) provides a vibrant and nurturing environment for staff and students to carry out inter-disciplinary research in key areas such as Computational Materials Science, Characterisation Materials Science, Defence Composite Materials, Functional Composite Materials, Energy, Nanomaterials, Low Dimensional Materials, Biomaterials Materials, Biological Materials, Bioinspired Materials and Sustainable Materials

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We are looking for a Research Fellow to develop sensors and mitigants for bacterial contaminations in the cellular agriculture industry. An essential part of this research work is using protein-protein interactions (PPI) of the target bacteria both as basis for sensors development and as targets for mitigation. Peptides based on these PPI interfaces will serve for sensing the target bacteria as well as starting points for non-antibiotic mitigants. The job will include identifying potential target protein-protein interactions of the bacteria, designing and synthesizing peptides derived from these PPI interfaces, evaluating their inhibitory activity and antimicrobial activity and developing more advanced and active derivatives. Experience in peptide design and synthesis and in protein biochemistry is required, with expertise in recombinant protein expression and purification being an advantage. as well as independence and creativity.

The role will focus on design, monitor, and perform experiments within the scope of the assigned research project. Additional duties may include training and collaboration with research staff and students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Select the most important PPI for inhibition and design peptide inhibitors

• Synthesize the designed peptides, purify and characterize them.

• Express and purify the target bacterial proteins using recombinant systems.

• Perform quantitative biochemical and biophysical studies of the protein-peptide interactions

• Test the ability of the peptides to inhibit the target proteins and bacterial growth

• Design improved more potent and stable peptides and test their activities as above

• Use the best binding peptides for biosensor development

• Conduct interpretation and application of experimental results

• Gather information/ data and prepare documents for reporting/ papers and actively participate in all stages of writing these papers and reports

• Assist in and deliver training and coaching new members with relevant laboratory/ technical skills

Job Requirements:

• PhD degree in Biochemistry/Chemistry

• At least 3 years of relevant experiences in similar role / technical hands-on experience in specific scope

• Strong experimental skills in peptide design and synthesis, protein expression and purification and binding and activity studies

• Excellent communication and organizational skills

• Independence, creativity and original thinking

• Gathering information/ data and preparing documents for reporting/ papers as well as actively participating in writing these documents

• Willing to contribute to team services like sharing/ coaching new members with relevant laboratory/ technical skills

• Ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders at all levels

• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

• Possesses international experience, with a strong network of contacts in the region.

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.