PDRA Diamond-Cancer Research Horizons collaboration

About us

Diamond Light Source, the national synchrotron, has a strong track-record in offering commercial services to the global pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Following the establishment of a strategic partnership between Diamond and Cancer Research Horizons (CRH), the Industrial Liaison Group is looking to recruit a PDRA to work closely with a CRH funded team in Newcastle University to enhance the early-stage drug discovery capabilities of CRH.

About this role

This position is a fantastic opportunity to apply your life science laboratory experience to support projects with real-world impact on human health and great importance to oncology research. The projects will have a focus of utilising crystallographic fragment screening against oncology targets.

We are looking for a passionate laboratory scientist with a background in structural biology to work within the Diamond Industrial Liaison Group and with our partners at Newcastle University to perform crystallographic fragment screening and data analysis. Due to the collaborative nature of the role excellent communication, record keeping and management of multiple simultaneous projects are an advantage.

The PDRA will be responsible for delivering successful crystallographic (XChem) fragment screens and rapid turn-around of protein-ligand crystal structures to enable hit-to-lead development. They will:

Integrate into and fully adopt the culture of the Diamond-based team.
Ensure all crystal structures are promptly available at high quality and fully annotated to CRH.
Develop and test new and existing methodologies to improve the efficiency of the XChem platform.
Reporting to the project supervisor, you will contribute to the on-going research within the group.
Act as the day-to-day liaison between Diamond and CRH, specifically with counterparts working at Newcastle University.
Manage the short- and medium-term running of multiple research projects in parallel
Identify research objectives and carry out appropriate research activities within a given timescale.
Attend internal scientific and administrative meetings with scientific collaborators.
Keep up with latest results and international research directions, especially in interest for the research project associated with this post.

About You

The successful candidate will possess the following combination of education and experience:

Required

Appropriate PhD degree or equivalent qualification or proven relevant experience in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Biophysics or Structural Biology
Fully versant in macromolecular crystallography
Track record of advanced laboratory work and organisational skills
Good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills
Capacity to work independently as well as in teams
Ability to work flexibly with occasional weekend and out of hours working

Desired

Relevant higher degree or equivalent qualification or demonstrable experience
Experience of working in a commercial environment
Experience of crystal handling and soaking
Experience of synchrotrons/X-ray beamlines
Experience of programming, especially Python and Java

Benefits

Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.

To Apply

Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.

Closing date: 26th Janaury 2025