The Tybulewicz Group
Down Syndrome Laboratory
We seek a talented and motivated postdoc to join a Research Group led by Victor Tybulewicz at the Francis Crick Institute. The Group currently consists of 13 scientists, including 8 postdocs and 3 PhD students. One of the two main research interests of the Group is the study of the genetics underlying Down Syndrome. The Group has previously generated a series of mouse models of Down Syndrome that can be used to map the location of dosage-sensitive genes that cause Down Syndrome phenotypes, and have used them to study heart defects, locomotor deficits and craniofacial dysmorphology (1-4).
More information about the Tybulewicz Lab.
The Project
The postdoc will study the genetics and developmental biology underlying congenital heart defects in Down Syndrome. The overall aim is to understand how increased dosage of genes on human chromosome 21 leads to heart defects. In previous work we showed that heart defects are caused by increased dosage of at least two genes (1), and more recently we have identified one of these causative genes as DYRK1A (4).
The aim of this project is to identify the second dosage-sensitive gene that causes heart defects when present in three copies and to elucidate the mechanism by which the two genes cause pathology. The work will involve use of genetic, developmental biology and biochemical techniques including microscopy, image analysis, and RNAseq, and will be supported by the excellent core facilities of the Institute. The work is funded by the British Heart Foundation.
Postdoctoral Training Fellows are expected to lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators) and may guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a team is essential.
References
Lana-Elola et al (2016). Genetic dissection of Down syndrome-associated congenital heart defects using a new mouse mapping panel. eLife, 5:e11614. PMID: 26765563.
Watson-Scales et al (2018). Analysis of Motor Dysfunction in Down Syndrome reveals Motor Neuron Degeneration. PLoS Genetics, 14, e1007383. PMID: 29746474.
Redhead et al (2023). Craniofacial dysmorphology in Down Syndrome is caused by increased dosage of Dyrk1a and at least three other genes. Development, 150, dev201077. PMID: 37102702.
Lana Elola et al (2024). Congenital heart defects in Down syndrome are caused by increased dosage of DYRK1A. Sci Transl Med, 16:eadd6883. PMID: 38266108
Key experience and competencies
The post holder should possess the following characteristics:
Essential
PhD in developmental biology or similar, or be in the final stages of PhD submission
Good knowledge and experience of mammalian development
Expertise in light microscopy
Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in refereed journals
Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings
Ability to work independently and also capable of working well in a team
Desirable
Expertise in mammalian heart development
Expertise in transcriptomics and its analysis
Expertise in image analysis
About Us
At the Crick, we conduct research at the forefront of biomedical research. We combine rigour with an open and collaborative culture, and are outward-looking, reflecting our status as a partnership of six organisations aiming to pool knowledge, ideas and resources.
We have a wide research portfolio with no divisions or departments, bringing biomedical researchers together with clinicians, physical scientists and applied scientists from our pharmaceutical partners.
We aim to attract the most talented researchers and support them to tackle innovative research questions. Our science technology platforms provide our researchers with access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise.
We provide an excellent learning environment with dedicated education programmes in public engagement with science, education and personal development, and a postdoc training programme that prepares scientists for leadership roles in science.
If you are interested in applying for this role, please apply via our website.
All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.
If you require a visa to work in the UK we will help support your application should you be successful
Find out what benefits the Crick has to offer:
For more information on our great pay and benefits package please click here:
https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/pay-and-benefitsEquality, Diversity & Inclusion:
We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.
Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.
The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.
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https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/equality-diversity-and-inclusion
