Department of Chemistry

We are seeking a highly motivated bioinformatics analyst to play a key role in supporting the pioneering research programme of Professor Balasubramanian's group at Cancer Research UK's Cambridge Research Institute (CRI). The Institute emphasises multi-disciplinary approaches to link laboratory findings to the clinic and has state-of-the-art research facilities for over 300 scientists supported by outstanding core resources including a high-performance computing cluster (HPC) and high-throughput DNA sequencing platforms.

Professor Balasubramanian's research is focused on the chemical biology of the genome, and the post-holder will be involved in data analysis for several projects in this domain. Two areas of key interest to us are: the fundamental roles that non-canonical nucleic acid structures, such as G-quadruplexes, play within the genome and transcriptome; and identification, mapping and function of novel bases in nucleic acids. We are developing genome-wide methods to address biological problems in these areas as exemplified by our latest work on the induction of DNA damage by a G-quadruplex-binding small molecule (see Nature Chemical Biology, 8 301-10, 2012), and through our recent invention of a method to sequence 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in the genome with single base resolution (see Science published online 26 April 2012, DOI:10.1126/science.1220671). The post-holder will be based at the CRI and join our increasing informatics effort for these projects, providing bioinformatics support and analytical capability across Professor Balasubramanian's wider group at the CRI and the University's Department of Chemistry.

Characteristics of the role will include:
a) Collaboration with Professor Balasubramanian's research scientists and the CRI Bioinformatics Core. Using existing pipelines or implementing new ones, the post-holder will play a leading role in experimental design, optimal sample size estimation, data QC, and visualisation of genome-wide datasets.
b) Our experimental approaches employ novel ChIP-Seq, RNA-Seq, and genome sequencing methodologies, and therefore require ad hoc analyses together with customised algorithms. This will include, for example, expected outcome simulation, algorithm design for read density normalization and enrichment detection, clustering and prediction of secondary DNA/RNA sequence. The novel experimental approaches taken by the group require new bioinformatics techniques and it is expected that the role will provide opportunities for computational method development.

Applicants should have a PhD in a computational discipline such as computer science, quantitative biology or similar and have significant experience in bioinformatics or computational biology. We are especially interested in candidates with experience in statistical modelling and use of mathematical tools (e.g. Bayesian statistics, Markov models, simulation models) to interrogate and model genomic datasets. Skills required include:
(i) Good programming/scripting skills in languages such as R or Matlab, Python or Perl, C/C++, ruby or Java.
(ii) A good working knowledge of Linux/Unix, with experience in data processing in a HPC cluster environment.
(iii) Familiarity with SQL and relational databases (e.g. PostgreSQL, MySQL).
(iv) Algorithm development and statistical analysis of large datasets.

The role requires excellent communication skills and involves regular interactions with our research scientists and other bioinformaticians. The successful candidate will also need to be highly organised with good time management skills to support multiple concurrent projects, with an ability to work well within a team. Experience in project management would be welcomed, providing opportunities for career progression within the role.

The post is available immediately. Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6) and should be sent to Professor Shankar Balasubramanian, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: herchel-smith-medchem-pa@ch.cam.ac.uk). Informal enquiries can be made to either Professor Balasubramanian or Dr David Tannahill at CRI (david.tannahill@cancer.org.uk).

Reporting to the Building Services Manager the role holder will be a member of the mechanical section of the Maintenance Team. The Department of Chemistry is a large Department and the team provides a full range of building services across the whole department including installation, preventative mechanical maintenance and a mechanical repairs service.

Duties include: prioritising and carrying out mechanical work in various working environments, sourcing and ordering materials whilst maintaining effective stock level in readiness for emergency breakdowns, being responsible for maintaining a safe and efficient mechanical store along with a clean, tidy and safe maintenance workshop.

This is an excellent opportunity for the right applicant who will receive on-the-job training and support, plus be expected to study part-time towards further relevant qualifications such as NVQ Level 3 in Heating and Ventilation Industrial and Commercial. Ideally the successful candidate will be educated to GCSE level including Maths and English with good communication and IT skills plus a flexible attitude.

Salary will rise to £20,559 - £23,811p.a. on completion of training.
Application forms can be downloaded from the University website at http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris5/ and are also available along with further information from Emma Graham, tel: 01223 763188 or email ejg49@cam.ac.uk.

Please complete Parts I and III only of the application form and return together with a letter of application to Emma Graham by email: ejg49@cam.ac.uk or post: Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW.

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to join a multidisciplinary team, lead by Professor Chris Dobson, Professor Michele Vendruscolo and Dr Tuomas Knowles, who are working to elucidate the molecular basis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) as part of the Cambridge-Elan Centre for Research Innovation and Drug Discovery. The project will involve the investigation of the fundamental molecular origins of neurotoxic amyloid oligomer formation in AD using a combination of biophysical and tissue culture-based approaches. The work of the applicant will contribute to our on going AD drug discovery programme, in collaboration with Elan Pharmaceuticals, through the development of new assays that can be utilised to evaluate the efficacy of novel small molecules targeted at preventing amyloid oligomer formation.

Applicants should have a PhD in biochemistry, biophysics or a closely related discipline. A strong track record of research in protein misfolding disorders, preferably neurodegenerative diseases, is essential. Expertise in both protein biochemistry and tissue culture are required for this role. Due to the highly interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of the project, the successful applicant will also need to possess strong communication skills.

The post will be available from July 2012. Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Ms Karen Valelli, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW, e-mail: kjv26@cam.ac.uk

A post-doctoral research position is available in the group of Dr Alex Thom, working on the development and application of Stochastic Coupled Cluster methods to correlated electronic systems. Candidates should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in theoretical chemistry or physics, with a strong grounding in many-electron quantum mechanics, including quantum chemistry or condensed matter physics. Experience of parallel computation and programming would be advantageous.

The post is available from July 2012. Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be emailed to Dr Alex Thom (email: a.thom@imperial.ac.uk).

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to work with Professor Chris Abell in a collaborative project with Dr Catherine Green (Department of Zoology) to identify substrates of a methyl transferase enzyme. The project will involve the synthesis of affinity labels and some protein chemistry.

Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in organic chemistry. Proven expertise in synthetic organic chemistry is essential; some knowledge of enzymology and drug discovery would be advantageous.

The position is available immediately. Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Dr Katherine Abell, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (e-mail: ka204@cam.ac.uk).

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to work on an industrially funded project under the supervision of Professor Steven Ley. The project will focus on emerging technologies, methodologies and new tools for flow chemical synthesis.

Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry. Experience in modern synthetic techniques, and the ability to initiate and develop new methods are essential, whilst skills in flow-based chemical synthesis would be desirable. An interest in computer programming and device assembly would be advantageous.

The post is available from 1st July 2012. Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Mrs Jude O'Connor, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: leyadmin@ch.cam.ac.uk).

Applications are invited for a post-graduate research assistant to join a multi-disciplinary team studying the aggregation of the protein alpha-synuclein and how its aggregates damage neurons. A range of biophysical methods will be used, including single molecule fluorescence. The successful candidate will be responsible for protein production, purification and labelling and also performing aggregation assays in the presence of inhibitory molecules.

Applicants should have a good honours degree in biochemistry or a related discipline. Experience in protein purification would be an advantage, but full training will be given.

The post is available immediately. Applications should include a CV, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Professor David Klenerman, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: dk10012@cam.ac.uk).

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to work as part of an EPSRC Consortium on Grid Storage with Imperial College London. The successful applicant will be based in the Department of Chemistry and will work under the direction of Professor Clare Grey using a combination of structural methods to investigate electrode materials for energy storage applicants. He/She will also be expected to supervise PhD and undergraduate students engaged in similar research projects and perform experiments at national facilities (such as DIAMOND in the UK, the ESRF in France and the APS in the US).

Applicants should have a PhD in solid state chemistry with experience in synthesis of new materials and structural characterization by diffraction and pair distribution function analysis methods. Some NMR experience is desirable but not necessary.

The position is available from July 2012. Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Mrs Tina Jost, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, e-mail: tj201@cam.ac.uk

The Organic Research section of the Department of Chemistry - predominantly based on the first and second floors - consists of 18 research groups; with 5 Professors, 15 Academic Staff and around 185 Research Personnel requiring a high level of technical support.

The role holder is the first line of support to the Principle Research Laboratory Technician and provides an essential organisational and minor administrative service. They act as a central link between staff and Research Personnel proactively supporting the day-to-day and long-term management of the section.

Duties include providing and maintaining a high level technical service throughout the Organic research section. Setting up and maintaining high vacuum/Rotavaporator systems, demonstrating laboratory equipment to research personnel, monitoring and maintaining anhydrous stills containing highly flammable and toxic solvents. The role holder deputises in respect of all matters concerning the first floor when the Principle Research Laboratory Technician is absent.

The successful candidate will be flexible, have the ability to work on their own initiative as well as part of a team, be able to work to tight time restraints and have experience of working in a similar environment. They will be qualified to HNC level or equivalent in Chemistry or Physical Sciences, and have a good basic knowledge of all aspects of practical organic chemistry. Computer literate including windows office packages is also desirable.

Application forms can be downloaded from the University website at http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris5/ and are also available along with further information from Emma Graham, tel: 01223 763188 or email chemhr@ch.cam.ac.uk

Please complete Parts I and III only of the application form and return together with a letter of application to Emma Graham by email: ejg49@cam.ac.uk or post: Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW.