Advertisement No. 07/2014 

Applications are invited from qualified, creative, self-motivated individuals for several positions in The Centre for Chemical Biology and Therapeutics (CCBT). The successful candidate will participate in a multidisciplinary research program in a new initiative for chemical biology and therapeutics research. The program is coordinated by Professor Ashok Venkitaraman (University of Cambridge, UK, and inStem)

The Centre for Chemical Biology and Therapeutics (CCBT) is an inter-institutional collaboration funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (inStem) and the University of Cambridge (http://instem.res.in/research/research-themes/center-for-chemical-biology-and-therapeutics). It is an integrated multidisciplinary research centre designed to pioneer new approaches to create small-molecule tools that target intracellular signaling pathways for chemical biology and molecular therapeutics, and use them to conduct hypothesis-generating and hypothesis-driven translational research on systems of biomedical importance. Its overall vision will be to foster innovative therapeutic interventions for important human diseases. It is located on the NCBS campus [www.ncbs.res.in] in north Bangalore, a premier site for biomedical research equipped with the latest instrumentation and facilities, with a flourishing community of academic and industrial researchers. The CCBT operates through the uniquely integrated effort of multidisciplinary project teams using common technological platforms, and not as a collection of independent PI-led labs that is usual in academia.

The prescribed qualification/experience for Associates it is Master’s/Bachelor’s degree with 1-3 years experience of Academic or Industrial work experience.
Age will not be bar for candidates with exceptional experience in the specific field. 
Salary and benefits will be attractive and will be commensurate with qualification/experience and performance in the interview. 
Appointments to these posts are made for one year and extended there after based on performance of the candidate during the course of the CCBT project.

Name of the post and qualification/experience for each one are indicated below -

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE - HTS TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATE

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Master's degree in discipline of life sciences with 1-3 years of work experience
• Substantial experience in high throughput screening through enzyme/cell-based assays using small molecule libraries is essential.

JOB DESCRIPTION

In this position you will support chemical biology efforts underpinning new lead discovery efforts by providing high throughput biology expertise including, but not limited to the following;

• Proficient in biochemistry, enzymology, assay development, lab automation and HTS. High throughput screening assays and application of various in vitro techniques.
• Specific experience with biochemical and cell based assays applying luminescence, fluorescence, TR-FRET, FP and alpha screen assays.
• HTS sample processing, data generation, data interpretation and data reporting.
• Assist in maintenance of HTS compound/sample libraries, laboratory administrative requirements and maintenance of good laboratory practices in work environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB FUNCTIONS

• Understanding of modern high throughput screening assay technologies.
• Experience in using laboratory automation equipment.
• Computer skills with extensive experience in data management, data analysis and statistical analysis.
• Must be detail oriented, well organized, and have strong communication skills.
• Excellent teamwork skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, multi - disciplinary environment.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE: TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATE - PROTEIN BIOLOGY

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Master's degree in discipline of life sciences with 1-3 years of work experience.
• 1-3 yrs of experience in the application of protein chemistry set up.
• Hands on experience in cloning, recombinant protein expression and purification at research scale.
• Working knowledge of affinity purification, gel filtration, FPLC, AKTA, SPR and isothermal calorimetry. 
• Excellent teamwork is required to work in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

In this position you will specialize in purification and characterization of challenging recombinant proteins 

Position requires coordinated effort with screening and structural biology to elucidate molecular nature of the protein-ligand and protein-drug interaction.

• Carry out cloning, protein expression and purification. 
• Coordinate cross-departmental activities for the effective use of purified proteins.
• Provide support in biophysical characterization of protein-ligand and protein-small molecule interaction.
• Support and enable reproducible large-scale protein purifications in quantity and quality suitable for X-ray crystallography.
• Regular data analysis, project updates, literature survey and presentations on the target.
• Participate in project team meeting and contribute to the projects intellectually.

DUTIES AND JOB FUNCTIONS

The successful candidates will work in the area of protein science and structural biology, which include design, express, and purify proteins, and elucidate protein-protein interactions. Primary responsibilities include:

• Support protein design, expression and purification to support small-molecule discovery.
• Provide support towards biophysical characterization of proteins and protein-ligand complexes to facilitate protein crystallization and protein science studies.
• Ensure regular supply of quality proteins for screening as well as structural biology efforts.
• Communicating effectively with screening, cell biology and medicinal chemists to translate hit to leads.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates may send in the following information by email to jobs-ccbt@instem.res.in.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
• Publication list 
• Contact details of three professional referees.  

NO PAPER APPLICATIONS will be accepted.  Last date for receipt of Applications is 15 days from the date of advertisement.  

inStem reserves the right to fill or not to fill the posts advertised.