Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Enzyme Structure and Function) (2009) Kelburn, Wellington Central, New Zealand
- Do you hold a PhD or equivalent in structural biology, enzymology or biological chemistry?
- Are you someone with good interpersonal skills, self-motivation and flexibility?
- Do you have relevant experience and knowledge in enzyme mechanisms and modern biochemical techniques?
Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University
Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is a global-civic university with our marae at our heart. This iho draws off our heritage and is further defined by our tūrangawaewae, in particular Wellington, Aotearoa, and the Asia-Pacific, all of which are expressed in our position as Aotearoa New Zealand's globally ranked capital city university.
Our core ethical values are respect, responsibility, fairness, integrity, and empathy. These core ethical values are demonstrated in our commitment to sustainability, wellbeing, inclusivity, equity, diversity, collegiality, and openness. With, and as, tangata whenua, we value Te Tiriti o Waitangi, rangatiratanga, manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, whai mātauranga, whanaungatanga, and akoranga.
Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role
Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Chemical and Synthetic Biology Team (led by Professor Emily Parker) at Ferrier Research Institute at Victoria University of Wellington. This project will use a combined mechanistic and structural biology approach to examine the molecular details of enzymes that are targets for the development of novel therapeutics. This project is part of a larger program within the Institute to design and deliver bioactive compounds.
The position will be for a term of 2 years (full time) starting as soon as possible. The fellow will have the opportunity to contribute to project planning, as well as co-supervision for PhD students.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducts work requiring independent judgment in the evaluation, selection, adaptation and modification of standard techniques and processes.
- Able to carry out work in an efficient manner to achieve commercial goals.
- Design and develop project plans as well as contributing to the achievement of project deliverables.
- Perform experimental work on a laboratory scale.
- Establish a reputation for professional competence and sound judgment.
- Collect analytical data (e.g. NMR, HPLC, mass spectrometry) on the materials made to determine if they are of the required purity and to unequivocally determine the products’ chemical structures.
- Process results, present conclusions and communicate in written and oral formats the outcomes of projects to the scientific community, colleagues, collaborators and clients as appropriate.
Ō pūmanawa - About you
The ideal candidate will have a PhD in structural biology, enzymology or biological chemistry or another relevant discipline and be able to work productively in a multidisciplinary environment. The Postdoctoral Fellow will contribute to the project by expressing and characterizing enzymes and carrying out detailed mechanistic studies. The preferred candidate will also have good communication and organizational skills.
You will be a motivated individual who can take the initiative, provide excellent technical expertise and policy compliance.
You will be a highly organised self-starter and natural relationship builder, who relishes working autonomously as well as contributing positively to a high performing team. You will need effective time management and forward planning to balance meeting deadlines and maintain a high standard of work.
Key Requirements:
- Minimum PhD or equivalent in structural biology, enzymology or biological chemistry or related discipline.
- Relevant experience in modern biochemical techniques.
- Thorough understanding and demonstrated experience in understanding enzyme mechanisms.
- Familiarity with literature and searching techniques.
- Routinely demonstrates a high level of experimental skill in the relevant area of biochemistry.
- Ability to organize and document one’s research, analytical data and products in a traceable manner.
- Experience in presenting results clearly in written and oral formats.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Demonstrated ability to solve problems and show lateral thinking.
- Ability to work and communicate within the Ferrier Research Institute and with external collaborators and clients.
- Flexible, self-motivated and high interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team
Our team is fast-paced, likes sharing ideas, and working in a collaborative style. We offer you flexible working arrangements, learning & development programs.
Close Date for Vacancy: 19 September 2021
Contact Details for Vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Professor Emily Parker at emily.parker@vuw.ac.nz. But applicants should follow all steps listed below.
Important - Application Steps and information
For applicants who are not NZ Citizens or Permanent Residents, we recommend you check the NZ Immigration website for updates related to Covid19 restrictions on entry to New Zealand: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19
Download and complete the University Application Form.
Click Apply Now Button at the base of the advert, follow the process to enter your contact details and add your CV in the online form.
Please include a cover letter in your application, telling us why you’re a great fit for this position then email the completed application form, cover letter and any other supporting documentation to erecruit@vuw.ac.nz stating the reference number and position title from the advert in the subject line.