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Jordan Liburd

Jordan Liburd

  • Position: Research Technician
  • Areas of expertise: Protein purification; Molecular cloning; Insect cell culture; Sustainable research
  • Email: J.Liburd@leeds.ac.uk
  • Location: 5.11 Roger Stevens Building
  • Website: LinkedIn | ORCID

Profile

I completed my Integrated Masters in Biomedical Sciences in 2021 at Leeds Beckett University.

My research projects were centred around utilising Flourescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) for characterising RNA oligomers.

Before joining Professor Zeqiraj’s lab, I worked as part of in Professor Fred Antson’s lab at York Structural Biology Laboratory, University of York. Here, I utilised molecular cloning techniques such as site-directed mutagenesis and protein expression and purification.

In 2022, I joined Professor Elton Zeqiraj’s lab at the University of Leeds. I support across various projects within the lab. I also supervise students and help new group members settle in. I lead our group in embedding sustainable practices throughout our research. Throughout 2023 and 2024, I led our lab to become the first research group at the University of Leeds to achieve Silver and then Gold LEAF awards.

I support the University’s sustainability goals with a particular focus on sustainable labs. I am a LEAF peer auditor and part of the Faculty of Biological Sciences Sustainability Blueprint team.

In 2025, I was shortlisted for the prestigious Papin Prizes, the only UK awards dedicated to celebrating technical excellence and innovation in higher education and research, in the category of ‘Excellence in Sustainability’.

Papin Prizes 2025 - ITSS

Research interests

My work includes using techniques such as molecular cloning and large-scale expression and purification of proteins and multi-protein complexes from E. coli and baculovirus systems.

Downstream applications include using structural biology techniques, such as x-ray crystallography and cryogenic-electron microscopy, and utilising biochemical and biophysical assays to uncover mechanisms and functions of these proteins and protein complexes.

We are interested in understanding immune signalling and metabolic pathways further in order to develop novel tools to treat diseases.

Qualifications

  • Master of Biomedical Sciences (Leeds Beckett University, 2021)

Professional memberships

  • Associate Member of Royal Society of Biology (AMRSB)
  • Member of Biochemical Society