MRC Functional Genomics Unit, University of Oxford
MRC Career Development Fellowship
Metabolic cell biology: CTP synthase, Cytoophidia and Cancer
£26,022 to £28,178 pa, 3 year fixed term contract
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic post-doctoral scientist to join Dr Ji-Long Liu’s research group in the internationally renowned MRC Functional Genomics Unit within the University of Oxford.
You will join a highly interactive research team working on metabolic cell biology. The long-term goal is to understand metabolic compartmentation using the Drosophila fruitfly or Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the fission yeast, as model systems. We will study the mechanisms by which the synthesis of CTP, one of the critical precursors of RNA and DNA, is compartmentalized within a cell. We have recently discovered that CTP synthase is compartmentalized in a novel evolutionarily conserved organelle, the cytoophidium (meaning Cellular snake in Greek). CTP synthase has been an attractive target for developing agents against cancer, virus and parasites. We will investigate how CTP synthase is assembled into the cytoophidium and how the cytoophidium is linked to cancer biology.
You will develop genetic and biochemical approaches to study the biogenesis of the cytoophidium in fruitfly or fission yeast. The study of metabolic compartmentation by genetic and biochemical approaches promises to provide answers to basic cellular questions, as well as shed light on molecular mechanisms of disease related to organelles.
As a Career Development Fellow you should have a strong background in genetics, biochemistry and cell biology. Experience of Drosophila or S. pombe genetics would be an advantage, although training will be given. Excellent organisational and communication skills will be required, together with the ability to work well within a team.
You will work in the MRC Unit within the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at the University of Oxford. The Functional Genomics Unit is a world-renowned centre for comparative genomics and research into neurological disorders using model organisms. Additional information about the Unit can be found at
www.mrcfgu.ox.ac.uk, whilst informal enquiries can be made to Dr Ji-Long Liu at
[email protected]. For further information about the MRC please visit
www.mrc.ac.uk.
This post is available from 1 January 2013. It provides opportunities to develop research project skills and develop collaborative links with colleagues within the University of Oxford and elsewhere. You will be entitled to benefits including 30 days annual leave, an excellent pension scheme and access to MRC training.
Applications are handled by the RCUK Shared Services Centre; to apply please visit our job board at
http://www.topcareer.jobs and upload your CV with covering letter. Applicants who would like to receive this advert in an alternative format (e.g. large print, Braille, audio or hard copy), or who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on 01793 867003, please quote reference number IRC69550.
Application deadline: 16th November 2012. Interviews to be held: 7th December 2012.
