A Post-doctoral Research Associate position is available to work on regulation of the glyoxylate shunt in the opportunistic human pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The post is based in University of Cambridge, Department of Biochemistry, Central Cambridge working in the laboratory of Dr Martin Welch, and is funded by the BBSRC.The successful applicant will ideally have experience in protein chemistry, enzymology and molecular microbiology. In addition experience in 13C flux analysis and a working knowledge of Python programming are desirable but not essential, as training will be provided if necessary.
The successful applicant will investigate the enzymology (kinetic/structural properties and regulation) of the TCA cycle/glyoxylate shunt branchpoint in P. aeruginosa. The enzymology of this metabolic branchpoint differs significantly from that in the well-characterized organism, Escherichia coli. Moreover, recent work has shown that flux through the glyoxylate shunt controls the activity of the major virulence determinant in P. aeruginosa; the Type III Secretion (T3S) System. In collaboration with colleagues in the United States, the accrued kinetic data will be used to populate a predictive flux model of the TCA cycle/glyoxylate shunt, with a view to identifying “nodes” that can be targeted to reduce flux through the shunt. Techniques include: microarray analyses and/or RNA-Seq, protein purification and characterization, kinetic analyses, [13C] flux analyses, protein phosphorylation ([32P]) assays, biophysical analyses, Westerns, in silico modelling and virulence assays (T3S).
The ideal candidate will have a PhD or has recently submitted for a PhD in a relevant science.
Interviews are anticipated during June.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.
To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the ‘Apply’ button below. This will route you to the University’s Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
Informal inquiries can be made to Martin Welch – mw240@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PH06006 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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DEPARTMENT/LOCATION
Department of Biochemistry, Central Cambridge
SALARY £28,695-£37,394 REFERENCE PH06006 CATEGORY Research
CLOSING DATE 15 June 2015