Research Associate - Computational Chemistry

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral researcher in computational chemistry in the School of Biochemistry with Dr Marc van der Kamp. The position is part of a collaborative project on simulation-guided engineering of the product outcome of terpene synthase enzymes, in close collaboration with experimental enzymologists in Cardiff (Prof. Allemann, Dr. Miller and a full-time postdoctoral researcher) as well as Prof. Mulholland and his group (Bristol).

You will benefit from collaboration and interactions within the Centre for Computational Chemistry and the Bristol BioDesign Institute (which includes the BrisSynBio research centre), as well as ample computational resources (e.g. through the newly installed Phase 4 of the BlueCrystal HPC facility in Bristol, the largest of its kind in UK universities).

The main purpose of the role is to apply existing and new state-of-the-art methods in computational chemistry and enzymology to explore the water binding and reaction pathways in several sesquiterpene synthases. This will involve research in multiscale molecular simulation (QM/MM reaction simulations), enzyme mechanism and dynamics, under supervision of Dr. Van der Kamp and Prof. Mulholland. The aim is to develop combined computational/experimental protocols for engineering the product outcome of these enzymes. You will be expected to analyse and present results, including preparing them for publication, and to liaise with experimental researchers. The successful applicant will both contribute to and benefit from the collaborative research environment that facilitates working across biological and chemical disciplines in Bristol.

The School is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for gender equality in higher education. The School holds a Bronze Award which recognises its good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff achieve a good work-life balance.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Marc van der Kamp, marc.vanderkamp@bristol.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 20 August 2017.

It is anticipated that interviews will be held on 24 August 2017.

The University is committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive culture.  We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities.