Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cell and Molecular Biology

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral research associate to join Professor Ian Hitchcock’s laboratory in the Department of Biology at the University of York. This is one of three postdoctoral positions as part of a CRUK Programme awarded to Professor Hitchcock.
The project will focus on the development of Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), a group of haematological malignancies characterized by increases in platelets and/or erythrocytes. The thrombopoietin receptor, MPL, is essential for the development of these diseases via its interaction with the JAK2V617F oncogene (Blood, 2014. 124(26): p. 3956-63), the most common driving mutation in MPN development. This project will focus on identifying mechanisms of thrombopoietin receptor activation using novel single-molecule imaging techniques (Nat Commun. 2017. 14;8:15976) to gain a better understanding of JAK2V617F-positive MPN development and potentially initiate development of novel therapies aimed at inhibiting receptor function.
You will conduct research under the supervision of senior colleagues and in collaboration with co-investigators Jacob Piehler, Professor of Biophysics from Osnabruck University, Germany and Steve Wedge, Professor of Stratified Cancer Medicine Discovery, Northern Institute of Cancer Research, Newcastle University. You will assist in the identification and development of potential areas of research as well as the development of proposals for independent or collaborative research projects. You will develop and initiate collaborative working internally and externally and provide guidance to other staff and students. Other duties will include analysis and interpretation of research data; use of appropriate research techniques and methods; writing up of research results and dissemination through publications, seminar and conference presentations.
Key Requirements:
• A PhD in a relevant subject (or expect to receive a PhD within 3/6 months of starting the post)
• A strong background in cell, molecular or cancer biology
• Experience in a range of cell and molecular techniques: cell culture, molecular cloning, immunocytochemistry and microscopy
• Experience working with in vivo models is desirable
• Ability to work independently and part of the programme team working on related projects
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience developing and initiating collaborative work and providing guidance to other staff and students is desirable