Postdoctoral Scientist - TOX - 374

The Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, located at the University of Leicester, is an internationally renowned institution focussed on the delivery of field-changing mechanistic insights into toxicology and disease. The Unit is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and offers excellent opportunities for postdoctoral development. The Unit is expected to relocate to the University of Cambridge during 2019.

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Scientist specialising in advanced gene expression methodologies to join the MicroRNA Regulation of Gene Expression Group led by Professor Martin Bushell to work on a project funded by the BBSRC. http://tox.mrc.ac.uk/research/bushell-group/

The project

This BBSRC funded project grant is to determine the ‘mechanism by which microRNAs control gene-expression’.

MicroRNAs have emerged as a major mechanism of gene regulation in metazoans, controlling the expression of approximately 60% of all protein encoding genes. These non-coding RNA molecules are ~21 nucleotides in length and exert their activity by base-pairing with specific mRNAs (normally within the 3`UTR) inhibiting gene expression at the post-transcriptional level.

Since their discovery, numerous studies have documented the fundamental roles of these small RNA molecules in virtually all aspects of life and disease. However, the mechanisms by which these molecules function to repress gene-expression has remained unclear and controversial.

Recently, we and others have shown that delivery of a miRNA to a target mRNA results in the recruitment of the Ccr4-Not complex. CNOT1, a central component of this complex, then triggers both translational repression, which is mediated by interacting DEAD-box RNA helicases, and leads to mRNA decay by interacting with deadenylation enzymes. A number of laboratories, including ours, have shown that translation repression occurs as the first step in the miRNA repression pathway, and is followed by deadenylation.

Two major points of contention remain within the community; firstly, the contribution of translational repression to miRNA mechanism and secondly, the identity of the helicase(s) bound to cNOT1. Importantly, how recruitment of cNOT1 with its associated helicase results in inhibiting translation is still completely unknown. The aims of this project are to resolve and understand the mechanistic heart of the miRNA-repression apparatus, to finally understand how repression is achieved.

The successful applicant will use variety of next generation sequencing and advanced bioinformatics approach to investigate how these helicase exert control over gene-expression.

Main duties / key responsibilities:

1. Within the overall direction of the programme of the group, and in discussion with the Programme Leader, the post-holder will make a significant input into designing the experiments to examine the mechanism by which microRNAs control gene expression.
   
   
2. To develop and apply a broad range of techniques in order to pursue the research objectives of the group.
   
   
3. To participate in collaborative research, both within and external to the Toxicology Unit.
   
   
4. To be actively engaged in the dissemination of new research results in the form of scientific papers.
   
   
5. To present scientific work at seminars within the Unit and at external meetings where appropriate.
   
   
6. To communicate and collaborate with others to develop the most appropriate methodologies, and to receive training in the use of relevant experimental techniques.
   
   
7. To contribute towards the smooth running of the group including the effective use of resources, training of others e.g. visiting workers/students and taking responsibility for the use of communal facilities.
   
   
8. To contribute to the Unit’s mission in the public engagement of science.

1. To enhance personal research and generic skills through a tailored development programme.

Education /Qualifications /Training required:

Essential:

• PhD in a biological sciences subject, particularly molecular biology, biochemistry or related areas.

Previous work experience required:

Essential:

• To have experience of working with RNA, cloning, tissue culture, western blotting, qPCR, immunofluorescence, microRNA methods and immunoprecipitation.

Desirable:

• Deep-sequencing and advanced bioinformatics skills.  

Knowledge and experience:

Essential:

• Proven skills in working independently to solve experimental problems*
• Ability to establish new techniques in the laboratory*

Desirable:

• Experience of training  others ‘on the job’ and ability to write manuscripts for international journals.

Personal skills/behaviours/qualities:

Essential:

• Vision and ability to plan and manage projects over the medium term*
• Able to demonstrate leadership ability within their research*
• Drive and focus to work at highly competitive international level*
• Strong commitment to team work*
• Good publication record in a peer-reviewed journal

Desirable:

• Able to collaborate and provide advice to other researchers both inside and outside the Unit*

**Your application must include a document which outlines in one paragraph your expertise in translation control mechanisms/RNA biology related experience and how it will enhance the particular research activities outlined in the advert**

* For those who have only recently completed their doctoral studies (or who may be more experienced and moving into a new research discipline or with limited experience of key transferable skills) you will be given the choice upon appointment of undertaking the MRC Post-Doctoral Training Scheme which provides you with personal allowances of £1,000 initial settlement plus an annual training allowance of £850 increasing to £1,300 in year two, and £1,800 in the third year.

This post is of a finite duration and offers no guarantee of continued employment with the MRC.

Please include your CV with your application to include full details of publications (including those submitted for review).

The Toxicology Unit is a member of Athena Swan.

*To be assessed at interview stage.