Internal Applicants Only - Research Associate (Protein Engineering) presso Cardiff University
Cardiff University · Cardiff, Regno Unito · Onsite
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This post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only. Please do not apply if you do not have a current contract of employment with the University.
Internal Applicants Only - Research Associate (Protein Engineering)
School of Biosciences
We are looking for a researcher with a background in protein design and engineering to join the Dafydd Jones group in the Molecular Bioscience division of the School of Biosciences.
This BBSRC funded project aims to address one of the missing pieces in the cell interactome: protein self-association. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play a major role in biology, with their dysregulation contributing to many disease states. Genetically-encoded probes called fluorescent proteins have proved pivotal to investigating PPIs in the cell but the underlying fluorescent methods are currently limited to monitoring interactions between two different proteins; self-association of the same proteins cannot be easily measured. This is major issue as many PPIs, arguably the majority, involve the self-association of identical proteins.
Building on recent work in the Jones lab, your project will generate new fluorescent protein variants optimised for use in the cell to functionally respond when fused to a self-associating protein target.
In this role, you will:
We’d like to hear from you if you:
The University is committed to offering flexible working, wherever the role and business need allows, supporting work-life balance.
Please contact Dafydd Jones ([email protected]) for an informal, confidential discussion about the role.
This is a full-time position, fixed period until 5th February 2026.
Salary £41,064 - £46,049 per annum (Grade 6). Please note that we will not appoint above bottom of the grade (Gr6, SP32) except in exceptional circumstances.
Closing date: Sunday, 23 November 2025
External applications are currently not being considered for this post. If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University
Internal Applicants Only - Research Associate (Protein Engineering)
School of Biosciences
We are looking for a researcher with a background in protein design and engineering to join the Dafydd Jones group in the Molecular Bioscience division of the School of Biosciences.
This BBSRC funded project aims to address one of the missing pieces in the cell interactome: protein self-association. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play a major role in biology, with their dysregulation contributing to many disease states. Genetically-encoded probes called fluorescent proteins have proved pivotal to investigating PPIs in the cell but the underlying fluorescent methods are currently limited to monitoring interactions between two different proteins; self-association of the same proteins cannot be easily measured. This is major issue as many PPIs, arguably the majority, involve the self-association of identical proteins.
Building on recent work in the Jones lab, your project will generate new fluorescent protein variants optimised for use in the cell to functionally respond when fused to a self-associating protein target.
In this role, you will:
- Conduct research within the area of protein design and engineering, recombinant protein production, protein molecular analysis and cell imaging with a specific focus on fluorescent proteins
- Carry out research with the aim to publishing work in high quality journals and/or generate data for patent filling.
- Contribute to general communal lab activities and jobs.
- Interact and liaise with other researchers within Cardiff University.
- Contribute to the overall research performance of the School of Biosciences and University by the production of measurable outputs including publishing in academic journals and presenting at conferences, and the supervision of postgraduate research students.
- Review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
- Participate in School of Biosciences research activities.
We’d like to hear from you if you:
- Have a postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in protein biochemistry/protein engineering or relevant industrial experience.
- Have established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research areas:
- Computational analysis of protein molecular structure including design aspects (e.g. Rosetta, molecular dynamics).
- Protein engineering and associated molecular techniques (mutagenesis, cloning, molecular analysis of proteins, recombinant protein production).
- Spectroscopic analysis of proteins (e.g. absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy).
The University is committed to offering flexible working, wherever the role and business need allows, supporting work-life balance.
Please contact Dafydd Jones ([email protected]) for an informal, confidential discussion about the role.
This is a full-time position, fixed period until 5th February 2026.
Salary £41,064 - £46,049 per annum (Grade 6). Please note that we will not appoint above bottom of the grade (Gr6, SP32) except in exceptional circumstances.
Closing date: Sunday, 23 November 2025
External applications are currently not being considered for this post. If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University
Job Description
Main function
To conduct research within the area of protein design and engineering and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Research
To conduct research within the area of protein design and engineering and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Research
- To conduct research within the area of protein design and engineering, recombinant protein production, protein molecular analysis and cell imaging with a specific focus on fluorescent proteins.
- To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
- To contribute to general communal lab activities and jobs.
- To interact and liaise with other researchers within the University.
- To contribute to the overall research performance of the School of Biosciences and Cardiff University by the production of measurable outputs including publishing in national academic journals and presenting at conferences, and the supervision of postgraduate research students.
- To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
- To participate in School of Biosciences research activities.
- To pursue excellence in research with integrity and to inspire others to do the same.
- To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
- To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.
- To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
- Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Salary Range Max.
46,049
Grade
Grade 6
Salary Range Min.
41,064
Job Category
Academic - Research
Additional Information
We are looking for a researcher with a background in protein design and engineering to join the Dafydd Jones group in the Molecular Bioscience division of the School of Biosciences.
This BBSRC funded project aims to address one of the missing pieces in the cell interactome: protein self-association. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play a major role in biology, with their dysregulation contributing to many disease states. Genetically-encoded probes called fluorescent proteins have proved pivotal to investigating PPIs in the cell but the underlying fluorescent methods are currently limited to monitoring interactions between two different proteins; self-association of the same proteins cannot be easily measured. This is major issue as many PPIs, arguably the majority, involve the self-association of identical proteins.
Building on recent work in the Jones lab, your project will generate new fluorescent protein variants optimised for use in the cell to functionally respond when fused to a self-associating protein target.
This BBSRC funded project aims to address one of the missing pieces in the cell interactome: protein self-association. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play a major role in biology, with their dysregulation contributing to many disease states. Genetically-encoded probes called fluorescent proteins have proved pivotal to investigating PPIs in the cell but the underlying fluorescent methods are currently limited to monitoring interactions between two different proteins; self-association of the same proteins cannot be easily measured. This is major issue as many PPIs, arguably the majority, involve the self-association of identical proteins.
Building on recent work in the Jones lab, your project will generate new fluorescent protein variants optimised for use in the cell to functionally respond when fused to a self-associating protein target.
Career Pathway
Research
Person Specification
IMPORTANT: EVIDENCING CRITERIA
The University uses the person specification as a key tool for shortlisting. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement.
Please save your supporting statement in a separate document with the title [YOURNAME-BR NUMBER-JOB TITLE] and attach it to your application in the recruitment system, available here.
Essential Criteria
Qualifications and Education
The University uses the person specification as a key tool for shortlisting. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement.
Please save your supporting statement in a separate document with the title [YOURNAME-BR NUMBER-JOB TITLE] and attach it to your application in the recruitment system, available here.
Essential Criteria
Qualifications and Education
- Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in protein biochemistry/protein engineering or relevant industrial experience
- An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research areas:
- Computational analysis of protein molecular structure including design aspects (e.g. Rosetta, molecular dynamics)
- Protein engineering and associated molecular techniques (mutagenesis, cloning, molecular analysis of proteins, recombinant protein production)
- Spectroscopic analysis of proteins (e.g. absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy).
- Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field of protein design and engineering
- Proven ability to publish in national journals.
- Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
- Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals
- Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
- Proven ability to work without close supervision
- A working knowledge of general protein engineering approaches including directed evolution
- A working knowledge of the molecular structure and function of fluorescent proteins
- A strong interest in structural biology and biophysical analysis, especially with relation to protein-protein interactions
- Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
- Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.
