Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Company

University of Edinburgh

Job description

Job Description:UE07 – £39,347 – £46,974 per annumSchool of Biological Sciences – Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and BiotechnologyFull time – 35 hours per weekFixed term – July 2024 – July 2026We are looking for a driven and enthusiastic post-doctoral researcher interested in understanding how DNA-and RNA-binding activities of Helix-Turn-Helix transcription factors in an important bacterial pathogen (MRSA) contribute to virulence and host infection.The Opportunity:We recently found that many Helix-Turn-Helix domain transcription factors (HTH-TFs) from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus also globally bind RNA in vivo. Some HTH-TFs have well-established transcriptional roles in regulating MRSA infectivity and antibiotic resistance. Moreover, the transcription activity of numerous HTH-TFs can be controlled by small molecules, making them promising targets for developing novel antimicrobials.Our data indicate that the regulatory impact of HTH-TFs is much more profound than anticipated, underscoring the need for a thorough characterisation of these proteins. We hypothesise that HTH-TFs post-transcriptionally control a substantial fraction of antibiotic resistance and virulence factors by altering the stability/translation of RNA substrates. RNA may also compete with HTH-TF transcriptional activities.By integrating state-of-the-art biochemical and phenotypic approaches, you will obtain detailed mechanistic insights into how these RNA-binding activities impact gene expression, and pathogenicity during host infection. A detailed understanding of MRSA HTH-TF function and how its nucleic acid binding is regulated may underpin future therapeutic approaches.Your skills and attributes for success:

• Experience in studying host-pathogen interactions.
• Experience in working with animal infection models.
• Demonstrated background in infection biology.
• Understanding of gene expression regulatory mechanisms.

Click to view a copy of the full (opens new browser tab)As a valued member of our team you can expect:An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. We give you support, nurture your talent and reward success. You will benefit from a competitive reward package and a wide range of staff benefits, which includes a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, flexible working and much more. Click to access our (opens new browser tab) for further information and use our reward calculator to find out the total value of pay and benefits provided.The 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 (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 noteClosing date for applications is 7 June 2024Unless 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.About Us: As 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 Team:As the modern inheritors of our 400-year-old reputation for excellence, our staff and students contribute to a vibrant academic community whose visions are shaping tomorrow’s world. The School of Biological Sciences is at the leading edge in teaching, research and innovation. Independent rankings such as the Times Higher Education consistently place us amongst the top 25 universities in the world for biological sciences. We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working and to recognise and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development opportunities for all staff. We place a particular focus on development for early-career researchers (postgraduate and postdoctoral research staff and personal fellowship holders), offering mentoring and an active ‘BioDocSoc’ organisation that brings together researchers for networking, events and training opportunities.The School of Biological Sciences holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance the representation of women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology.Our contains more information about the School.

Expected salary

£39347 – 46974 per year

Location

United Kingdom

Job date

Sun, 12 May 2024 03:19:32 GMT

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (globalvacancies.org) you saw this job posting.