Research Associate (Biological Sciences)

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Job Description

We are a structural and molecular biology laboratory seeking a Research Associate to work on research projects investigating the molecular mechanisms of protein and protein–nucleic acid complexes involved in microbial physiology and cellular defense. The successful candidate will perform molecular cloning, microbial culture and genetic manipulation, recombinant protein expression and purification, and biochemical and fluorescence-based assays to support structural studies. Key duties include designing and troubleshooting experiments; preparing high-quality protein and nucleic-acid samples; analyzing, documenting and presenting research data; and contributing to manuscripts and research reports. The appointee will also support laboratory operations, including procurement, inventory management, equipment maintenance, biosafety documentation and training of junior laboratory members. Training in cryo-electron microscopy and other relevant structural-biology methods will be provided where required.

Qualifications

Master's degree in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology or related discipline.

Skills:

• Demonstrated hands-on experience in molecular cloning, microbial culture or genetic manipulation, recombinant protein expression and purification, SDS–PAGE, and biochemical or fluorescence-based assays.
• Ability to design experiments, optimize and troubleshoot protocols, maintain accurate research records, analyse data independently and communicate results clearly.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.

Experience:

• Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous: CRISPR–Cas systems and guide-RNA engineering, bacterial genome editing, RNA-detection or protein–nucleic acid assays, cell-free transcription–translation systems, bacterial pathogen manipulation, bacteriophage methods, yeast or fungal genetics, next-generation sequencing data analysis, and preparation of figures or manuscripts.
• Experience with laboratory procurement, inventory management, equipment maintenance, biosafety documentation or coordination with collaborators is also desirable.
• Prior cryo-EM experience is not essential, but an interest in learning structural-biology methods is expected.