Development of drug discovery enabling mass spectrometric technologies

UCB is further enhancing its drug discovery technology platforms through the initiation of this exciting post doctoral research position. The post doc will be expected to work alongside UCB employees to develop applications of mass spectrometry for the study of protein-protein interactions of therapeutic interest to the community These may include antibody-antigen systems, multimeric protein assemblies and protein-ligand complexes as models for the development of gas phase ion mobility measurements, epitope mapping applications and the exploration of electron transfer dissociation as an alternative digestion approach. In addition, there is the opportunity to be involved in further development of our mass spectrometric fragment based screening platform.  

This position requires a PhD level candidate with experience in research applications of mass spectrometry ideally including:  Ion mobility, Hydrogen Deuterium exchange and related proteomics approaches, Electron Transfer Dissociation, detection of non-covalently associated complexes. Publication of results in front line journals is an essential component of the program which will also include a bespoke training element.

The group is very well equipped with a Waters’ Synapt G2  HDMS Q-TOF mass spectrometer for ion mobility measurements, interfaced to either an Advion Triversa Nanomate nanospray source for analysis of intact, folded proteins or to an HDX enabled nano-Acquity UPLC for automated epitope mapping applications. Also available is a heavily customized Waters’ LCT-premier TOF mass spectrometer with a second Advion Triversa Nanomate which is dedicated to the study of non-covalently associated complexes. A Waters’ LCT-classic TOF mass spectrometer interfaced to an Acquity UPLC is used for routine proteomics type analyses. Also in the group, a Bruker 600 MHz. NMR spectrometer equipped with TXI cryoprobe is available for protein structural analysis and ligand screening, whilst orthogonal biophysics techniques including, SEC, CD, SPR, ITC and Thermofluor together with full protein expression, purification and characterization facilities are conveniently collocated. The group also has a network of contacts with academic research groups across the UK supporting active Ph.D. studentships and post doctoral researchers      

This vacancy for an internal post doctoral researcher is within the Physical and Analytical Sciences Group, part of our Medicinal Chemistry department based at our Slough Research hub located 20 miles west of London. Positions are available for a period of 36 months with a starting date during 2012.

To apply for this position, please visit our Job Seekers' section and search for reference SLO00001668.

If you wish to be considered for this position, you are requested to submit a CV and covering letter detailing:

• Your motivation to undertake the chosen post-doctoral programme and passion for that specific area of science
• A detailed description of your scientific career to date
• Names of two referees
• Date from which you would be available.