Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited to recruit a talented and enthusiastic post-doctoral scientist to work on a Wellcome Trust funded project in the group of Prof Paul J Lehner FRS. Our group discovered the HUSH epigenetic transcriptional silencing complex, which silences newly integrated retroelements (retroviruses/retrotransposons). We recently showed how HUSH distinguishes 'self' from 'non-self' genomic DNA through the recognition of 'intronless' DNA the hallmark of reverse transcription (Nature 2022; PMID:34794168). HUSH provides a unique genome immunosurveillance system and allows mechanistic insight into self-recognition at the genomic level, with broad implications for all life-forms, and significant therapeutic potential. We now wish to determine how HUSH works, how cellular introns provide self-nonself discrimination, how some genes evade HUSH, as well as HUSH's role in cellular development and its interactions with other silencing pathways. We will take an integrated approach, using molecular, biochemical, cell biological, and CRISPR/Cas9 tools combined with bioinformatic analyses, to understand HUSH activity.

The work will be undertaken in the Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID). This new institute and building provide an exceptional and stimulating environment that promotes collaborative and interdisciplinary research, with state-of-the-art facilities, and is housed on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus alongside the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and adjacent to the LMB and CRUK building.

Recent publications related to our approaches and this project include: Seczynska et al Trends in Genetics 2023 (PMID: 36754727); Seczynska et al. Nature. 2022 PMID:34794168; Douse et al. Nat Commun. 2018 PMID: 29440755;Tchasovnikarova et al. Nat Genet. 2017 PMID: 28581500; Tchasovnikarova et al. Science. 2015 PMID: 26022416.

The role is best suited to candidates with training in molecular biology or biochemistry with a background in chromatin biology, epigenetics or RNA biology. Expertise with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering and/or genomics techniques is highly desirable. The successful candidate will be creative and bring their original contribution to the research project, show self-initiative as well as the ability to effectively manage time and priorities. Candidates should have (or be about to receive) a PhD in a relevant discipline and have a capacity to apply initiative and creativity to solve biological problems. Relevant experience in retroelement biology, iPSC work would also be beneficial.

Applicants will be expected to work closely and interactively with colleagues in different disciplines within the lab and have good communications skills.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD, or an equivalent research doctorate. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Informal enquiries can be sent to Prof Paul J Lehner ([email protected] ). https://www.lehnerlab.com/

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The closing date for applications is: 9th April 2024

The interview date for the role is: To be confirmed

Please quote reference RC40951 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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