Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Department: Blizard Institute
Salary: £40,223 - £49,785 per annum (Grade 4)
Reference: 989
Location: Whitechapel
Date posted: 4 March 2024
Closing date: 18 March 2024

Further details and apply

About the Role
The Rakyan lab’s research focuses on the genetic and epigenetic regulation of mammalian Ribosomal DNA (rDNA), using cutting edge molecular biology tools and high-level computational approaches to investigate the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in the various facets of rDNA biology (https://www.rakyanlab.com/). A goal of human genomics research is to understand the molecular mechanisms by which genetic variation influences phenotypic outcome. We believe that genetic variation within the Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) will impact molecular and phenotypic outcomes via an influence on the process of protein translation. To test this hypothesis, we want to conduct a large cell-culture based analysis of differences in translational efficiency between Bangladeshi and White British ancestries, involving extensive cell culture of LCLs, profiling methods such as Polysome-seq or Ribso-seq, proteomic profiling, epigenomic analyses, RNA-seq analyses, and computational analyses. The candidate will have the opportunity to learn cutting-edge molecular biology. There will potentially also be opportunities to develop computational skills and to interface with the other population-based studies at QMUL.

About You
The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant subject, and expert knowledge in general molecular biology and cell culture. Some previous experience in experimental proteomic methods is also essential. An intermediate level of computational expertise is also required. Previous experience in experimental genomic methods is desirable also but not essential.

About the Institute
The Blizard Institute was established in 2003 and is one of six Institutes within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL. The Institute comprises approximately 360 staff based in four academic Centres and one Public Engagement Centre, and supports a combined total of c750 postgraduate research and taught students. The Institute aims to deliver excellence in all aspects of research, teaching and clinical service.

About Queen Mary
At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits
We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities including an on-site nursery at the Mile End campus.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

Further details and apply