PDRA opportunity chemo-enzymatic synthesis of novel functionalised carbohydrates

Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Organic/Biological Chemistry)

School of Life, Health & Chemical Sciences

The Open University

£29,301 – £38,183 pro rata, Ref: 12076

Based in Milton Keynes

37 hours per week, Temporary contract for 3.5 years

Start date: Position available immediately

We are seeking to employ a post-doctoral researcher to work on a new BBSRC funded project on the chemo-enzymatic synthesis of novel functionalised carbohydrates. Using a combination of chemical and chemo-enzymatic synthesis approaches, this project seeks to investigate the enzymatic glycosylation of modified carbohydrate monosaccharides to achieve larger, biologically relevant glycan structures bearing unnatural modifications.

The project centres around the translation of traditional and novel methodologies to develop sustainable and versatile platforms for the industrial production of glycans on scale. We will demonstrate the technology by targeting a set of novel glycan materials that are anticipated to have significant transformational potential in human health and disease, in diagnostics and in glycoengineering applications. This project requires an integrated approach featuring: 1) synthetic chemistry (unnatural building blocks) 2) biocatalysis (enzymatic synthesis of larger glycans) 3) showcasing glycan potential in diagnostics (glycoarray based platforms).

You will join a large interdisciplinary team, working alongside academic researchers based at The Open University, University of Southampton, University of Bristol, University of Manchester, University of York, University of Leeds, University of Warwick and Imperial College, London; and industrial partners in the specialty and fine chemical, biocatalyst production and pharmaceutical industries.

We seek a highly motivated individual with an interest in glycosciences and the enzymatic synthesis of carbohydrates to undertake this project. You will hold a PhD (or be near to completion) in Chemistry, Chemical biology or a closely related discipline. You will have experience of organic synthesis and structural analysis of organic compounds. Experience in carbohydrate chemistry, enzymatic synthesis and/or protein expression would be advantageous.  As this project has a strong interdisciplinary focus and will involve regular interaction with academic and industrial consortium partners, it is important that you are enthusiastic, organized, have good oral and written communication skills and are flexible in your approach to working.

Full details of the position can be found here: https://goo.gl/6TPJuc and informal enquiries about the project or candidate suitability should be directed to Dr Sarah Allman sarah.allman@open.ac.uk

Closing date: 18th November 2016

Interview date: TBC

In order to apply, please send a completed application form (download here: https://goo.gl/LVOCeF) a CV and a covering letter explaining your interest in the position and describing how you fit the person specification to STEM-recruitment@open.ac.uk

For detailed information and how to apply go to www.open.ac.uk/employment, call the Recruitment Co-ordinator on 01908 659672 or email STEM-recruitment@open.ac.uk quoting the reference number 12076

 

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