Postdoctoral Scientist – RNA Biology (x2)
MRC Toxicology Unit, Leicester
Fixed Term for 5 years
Salary £28,935 - £32,648
The Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, (currently located at the University of Leicester but relocating to the University of Cambridge in 2018), is an internationally renowned institution focussed on the delivery of field-changing mechanistic insights into toxicology and disease. We are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and provides a supportive and learning environment helping postdoctoral scientists to establish themselves as successful research scientists in their chosen field.
We are seeking to employ two enthusiastic postdoctoral scientists to join the post transcriptional control group, led by Professor Anne Willis to work on a project funded by a joint Wellcome Trust Investigator award to Professor Anne Willis and Professor Kathryn Lilley University of Cambridge. The project is entitled “Transcription, Trafficking, Translation: dissecting the spatiotemporal mechanisms underlying localised protein synthesis”.
It is now widely acknowledged that mRNA is spatially organised such that its translation frequently occurs in the vicinity where the corresponding protein product adopts its function. This phenomenon has been studied extensively in specialised cells, however, recent research has suggested that spatial restriction of mRNA storage and translation is much more widespread. The aims of this project are to define where translation of mRNA takes place in the cell, how this is regulated by protein binding partners and sequence motifs and how this changes upon cellular perturbation.
The research will focus on investigating the spatial location of RNA binding proteins, their interacting mRNA, their role in protein synthesis control, and how mutations in RNA motifs drive mRNA mislocalisation.
For more information please visit:
http://tox.mrc.ac.uk/research/willis-group/ We are looking for highly motivated candidates with considerable experience of molecular and cell biology. You must hold (or to be in the final stages of completing) a PhD in a relevant discipline and have published (or about to publish) in a peer reviewed journal. Significant knowledge and interest in protein synthesis or mRNA binding proteins and their localisation is essential; experience of advanced RNA techniques would be an advantage. Although not required, suitable candidates will be highly encouraged to apply for (inter)national funding in the first year of employment as part of their development towards independence for which sufficient help is available within the unit.
The following recent publication has direct relevance to this project:
1. A draft map of the mouse pluripotent stem cell spatial proteome. Christoforou et al
Nat Commun. 20167:8992.
For full details of this post and to complete an online application, visit
https://mrc.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/appcentre-1/candidate/postings/242 and upload your CV along with a covering letter stating why you are applying for this role. Please quote reference TOX 221.
Closing date for applications: 21st June 216
The MRC is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Final appointments will be subject to pre-employment screening.
