Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Tox - 390

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 early 2020.

We are seeking an ambitious postdoctoral fellow to join the MicroRNA Regulation of Gene Expression Group led by Professor Martin Bushell to work on an project investigating the role of the transfer RNA repertoire in generating secretory phenotypes during epithelial homeostasis and cancer.

The project

The project will investigate how genetic alterations to the tRNA repertoire influence ribosome function to generate secretory phenotypes during intestinal differentiation and fibroblast activation, and how this can generate microenvironments that promote cancer progression. This programme will be conducted in close collaboration with Profs. Jim Norman and Owen Sansom at the Beatson Institute in Glasgow. The successful candidate will have an interest in elucidating molecular and cellular mechanisms through which the cell’s mRNA translation machinery can influence secretory processes and how this affects cell differentiation and cancer progression in vivo.

This project will be of interest for those seeking to work on novel aspects of cell biology in the context of cancer, and who wish to undertake cross-disciplinary approaches to medical science and cancer research. In particular we are seeking applicants who have recently completed their PhD. training and whose ambition is to obtain an independent group leader/PI position in 5-6 years’ time.

Main duties / key responsibilities:

• 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 and conducting experiments to examine the role of the transfer RNA repertoire in generating secretory phenotypes during epithelial homeostasis and cancer.
• To develop and apply a broad range of techniques in order to pursue the research objectives of the group.
  
• To participate in collaborative research, both within and external to the Toxicology Unit.
  
  
• To be actively engaged in the dissemination of new research results in the form of scientific papers.
  
  
• To present scientific work at seminars within the Unit and at external meetings where appropriate.
  
  
• To communicate and collaborate with others to develop the most appropriate methodologies, and to receive training in the use of relevant experimental techniques.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• To contribute to the Unit’s mission in the public engagement of science.
• To enhance personal research and generic skills through a tailored development programme.

Working relationships:

The post will be based at the MRC Toxicology Unit at Leicester reporting directly to Professor Bushell. There will be close collaboration with Profs. Jim Norman and Owen Sansom at the Beatson Institute in Glasgow which will require some time to be spent at the Beatson Institute to maximise contact and skill transfer.

It is important to be able to work efficiently as part of a team and to collaborate effectively with group members.

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

The above lists are not exhaustive and the job holder is required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC. Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal.

Education /Qualifications /Training required:

Essential:

• To have obtained, or be in the final stages of completing, a PhD in a field relevant to mRNA biology,translational control, cell signalling and/or cell adhesion/migration

Knowledge and experience:

Essential:

• To have published primary research papers (or have these papers in revision/in press) on relevant  topics
• To have an understanding of the mechanisms underlying cancer
• Expertise in translational control
• Experience of deep sequencing/high throughput methodologies
• Experience of mammalian cell culture
• Experience in cell and molecular biology
• To have proven skills in working independently to solve experimental problems*
• To have proven ability to establish new techniques in the laboratory*

Desirable:

• Ribosome profiling experience
• Bioinformatics
• Skills in microscopy
        
        

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*

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