Postdoctoral Research Associate

This new full-time post is immediately available until 7 august 2026 on a fixed term basis.

Please be aware that you might be requested to occasionally work outside of office hours depending on the nature of the experiments.

This role may be subject to additional background screening.

The post

The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Prof Steven West. This Wellcome Trust-funded post is available immediately and for three years. The successful applicant will study the regulation of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription in human cells. It will focus on the mechanisms of premature transcriptional termination and how these control the expression of genes. The lab has made several interesting and important breakthroughs in this area and the post will build and expand on these. As part of the post, you will receive training/experience in the latest molecular biology methods including CRISPR/Cas9 genome modification, transcriptomic approaches (POINT-seq, mNET-seq, TT-seq, SLAM-seq) and the associated bioinformatic analyses.  Specific projects are available to study premature termination pathways that are controlled by ZC3H4 (restrictor) or the Integrator complex. However, candidates are also welcome to come up with their own ideas and will be supported to develop their own projects if they wish to.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or be nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Whilst it would be an advantage to have a background in transcription and/or RNA biology, as well as bioinformatics, this is not essential, and all relevant training can be provided. What is most important, is interest and enthusiasm for the research area and a willingness to learn.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

For further information please contact Steven West, e-mail s.west@ex.ac.uk  or telephone (01392) 727458.

The closing date for completed applications is 23 July. Interviews are expected to take place week beginning 14th  August.