Protein Purification Internship

Protein Purification Internship

Proteins are vital components of biological systems. They ensure the cell functionality, structure and the ability to divide and pass its genetic material to the daughter cells. Neutron scattering is a very powerful non-damaging technique to study proteins. Here, at ISIS, we study proteins using different instrumentation and techniques such as small neutron angle scattering (SANS), quasi elastic neutron scattering (QENS), and diffractometry for protein crystals, SXD, for example. We also use purified proteins to build models of cell membranes which are then investigated using neutron reflectometry.

The interaction of streptavidin and its analogue avidin with biotin is a very well documented model of strong protein-ligand interaction. A fairly large amounts of protein is needed to study avidin-biotin interaction by QENS. Purifying it on site will cut the cost of this protein significantly (by 80-90%) compared to a commercial source. It will also ensure its high quality and purity, as well as suitability for subsequent assays which will include QENS.

The successful student will be using a variety of biochemical techniques to extract avidin from egg white. They will purify it using chromatography methods, and then characterise purity, quality and functionality of the obtained batches. In addition, lab bench denaturation experiments will be performed on avidin. The aim is to compare the characteristics of avidin and its homologue streptavidin, which has already been characterised. This work will result not only in the production and characterisation of avidin - our protein of interest, but will also lay a foundation for the protein purification and characterisation pipeline for neutron beamlines at ISIS.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone to learn and advance their biochemistry skills. There will be a have a unique scope to further characterise the obtained protein using modern biophysical techniques. The resulting avidin will be used in subsequent neutron scattering experiment which might result in scientific publication in the future.

There will be exposure to the multidisciplinary science at ISIS Neutron and Muon source, and an opportunity to present research internally. At the end of the summer placement, the student will master a wide range of biochemistry techniques, learn how to characterise quality and purity of proteins and get unique insight into biophysical characterisation of protein structure and function!

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Summary of Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Applying a range of biochemical techniques to purify avidin from egg white for subsequent characterisation by QENS:
• Chromatography equipment operation and troubleshooting with a particular application to protein separation
• Purify and characterise batches of the obtained avidin using a variety of techniques: SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, CD spectrometer, ITC, and other
• Analysing experimental data
• Keeping excellent lab records
• Maintaining high H&S standards in the laboratories

Person Specification

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).

In order to apply for the role we are looking for the following:

Essential:

• You are in full time education at university, and will be returning to university/your studies to complete your undergraduate degree once the summer placement has concluded (S)
• You have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement (S)
• Taking an undergraduate course in Life Sciences, such as Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology or any other subject relating to study biological systems on molecular level (S&I)
• Have an interest in preparation of and characterisation of protein samples for subsequent neutron beam line study. Please tell us why you would like to be a part of ISIS scientific community (S&I)
• Have a demonstrable wet laboratory experience either from undertaking practical classes at the University or from previous employment. The examples of wet lab experience are making buffers and solutions, chemical reactions, growing cells, production and analysis of proteins, enzymes, RNA, DNA, lipids or any other similar experience (S&I)
• Enjoy laboratory environment and laboratory work – please provide examples (S&I)
• Demonstrate a good understanding of Health and Safety in the Biological Laboratory. Please explain what to do to keep yourself and others safe in the lab (S&I)

Desirable:

• Previous successful completion of a scientific experiment/project in wet labs (S&I)
• Previous experience of protein purification using chromatography techniques (S&I)

Employee Benefits

We are offering a fixed term position with a whole host of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday pro rata
• Flexible working hours.
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status, we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK.

Application Guidance

Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate.

Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible!

About Us

UKRI - UK Research and Innovation

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.