We are seeking to appoint an enzymologist to work on biocatalytic synthesis of isotope-labelled nucleotides and on the characterisation of a nucleotide N-hydrolase. The position is available in Dr Rafael Guimaraes da Silva’s lab in the School of Biology/Biomedical Sciences Research Complex in collaboration with NuCana Plc, headquartered in Edinburgh. This work will generate pharmacokinetic tools to support NuCana’s late-stage drug development against cancer. The post is for 18 months funded by IBioIC, to start preferably on 1st September 2021.  

The enzymologist will take responsibility for the expression and purification of enzymes to be employed in the synthesis of nucleotides, optimization of reaction conditions, and HPLC-based purification and spectrometric characterization of the desired nucleotides; and for the mechanistic characterization of nucleotide N-hydrolase.  

The successful candidate will be reliable, creative, knowledgeable and hard-working, capable of delivering high-quality data in a timely manner. He/she will have all necessary support from the supervisor, the group, and their collaborators, but will be expected to be able to work independently and as part of a team as required. Problem-solving skills, leadership, and scientific rigor are essential traits.  

Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr da Silva (rgds@st-andrews.ac.uk)

Applications are particularly welcome from people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in research posts at the University.      

The University is committed to equality for all, demonstrated through accreditation (Athena SWAN; Carer Positive; Stonewall, LGBT and Race Charters), as listed on: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/diversityawards/.  

Further Particulars: AR2554JM FP's.doc

School of Biology/Biomedical Sciences Research Complex

Salary:£33,797 - £34,804 per annum

Start Date: 1 September 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter 

Fixed Term: 18 Months