Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Company

University of Edinburgh

Job description

Job DescriptionGrade UE07: £40,247 to £47,874 per annumSchool of Biological Sciences / Institute of Cell BiologyFull time: 35 hours per weekFixed Term: for 1 year (1st March 2025 – 28th February 2026)We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc candidate to lead an innovative research project that integrates kinetochore biology with neuroscience. This project builds on the pioneering discoveries made by the Cheerambathur Lab on the novel roles of kinetochore proteins in brain development and explores how the chromosome segregation machinery is reutilized in post-mitotic neurons to construct and repair neural circuits.Our research shows that kinetochore proteins, traditionally known for segregating chromosomes during cell division, serve as critical cytoplasmic regulators of neuronal cytoskeleton – impacting dendrite patterning, axonal guidance and synaptogenesis, and neuronal regeneration (Cheerambathur et al., Ouzounidis et al., Domingos et al.). By leveraging the well-established neuronal model, C. elegans as a primary discovery tool and translating key findings to more complex vertebrate neural circuits, we aim to uncover the unknown functions of kinetochores in these major neuronal processes.The Opportunity:We specialize in integrating multi-disciplinary approaches, combining the latest in genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry to unravel the mechanistic underpinnings of neuronal processes. Importantly, this position offers a unique opportunity to develop an independent research program in a very novel area of biology, focusing on how the kinetochore and the cytoskeleton interact to influence major neurodevelopmental processes across various organisms.We welcome applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. Candidates with technical and scientific experience in the areas of cell biology and neuroscience are especially encouraged to apply.The start date is flexible, and funding is through a recently awarded 7-year Wellcome Trust grant. Requests for informal enquiries should be sent to Dr. Dhanya Cheerambathur (dhanya.cheerambathur@ed.ac.uk). Please include a clear and concise statement outlining your motivation for joining our lab and how you envision contributing to our research team.Your skills and attributes for success:

• Strong motivation to contribute to a novel area of cell biology and neurobiology.
• Strong organizational, communication and critical thinking skills.
• Command of standard techniques in molecular biology and cell culture (mammalian cells) and/model organisms.
• Expertise & training in one or more of the following: cell biology, live-cell and quantitative fluorescence microscopy, quantitative image analysis, electron microscopy, biochemical methods, genome engineering, mass spectrometry and data handling.
• A publication record is strongly desired.

Click here to view a copy of the full job description.As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page(opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits.

Championing equality, diversity and inclusionThe University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages(opens new browser tab).The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.Key dates to noteThe closing date for applications is 31 January 2025.Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.Interviews will be held in February.About UsAs a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.About the TeamThe Institute of Cell Biology (ICB) is a world-leading research centre for cell and molecular biology. Our research aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms responsible for the stability, transmission and expression of genetic information in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, as well as studies of processes underlying microbial physiology and pathogenesis. We work with a wide range of experimental systems including cell culture, bacteria, yeast, Drosophila and mouse.We work closely with other areas of the School and with colleagues in the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, and have particularly strong links with members of the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology and with SynthSys (the centre for Synthetic & Systems Biology) with whom we have common research interests and many collaborative projects. Facilities include high through-put DNA sequencing, protein production and purification, biophysical and kinetic analysis of proteins, in silico screening for drug leads, proteomics, optical and electron microscopy.ICB incorporates the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, a flagship research centre answering fundamental questions relating to cellular function. Our research is funded by, amongst others, BBSRC, CR-UK, European Commission, Gates Foundation, Mayo Foundation, MRC, Royal Society and the Wellcome Trust.To find out more visit https://www.ed.ac.uk/biology/cell-biology

Expected salary

£40247 – 47874 per year

Location

Edinburgh

Job date

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 23:36:05 GMT

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