Research Associate in Mechanism of IRE1 Activation (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a Research Associate to study the molecular details of IRE1 activation and complete a research project previously initiated in the laboratory.

You will join a team led by Professor David Ron studying protein folding homeostasis in the Endoplasmic Reticulum. You will be primarily responsible for application of molecular and cellular biology tools to explore the mechanisms of IRE1 activation. You are expected to lead this project drawing on the advances previously made and described in PMID: 31873072, 38177498, 38177501.

Duties include but are not limited to: Design and creation of genetically modified cells using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to test specific hypothesis on the basis of IRE1 activation.  Design and execution of complex multi-channel FACS experiments  exploiting the cells described above. Design, expression and purification of bacterial-expressed proteins used in the study of IRE1 regulation in vitro.  Implementing biophysical techniques used to study IRE1 regulation in vitro: analytical size exclusion chromatography by HPLC, Mass photometry, Analytical Ultracentrifugation, Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), Fluorescent polarisation and biolayer interferometry (BLI).

Applicants should have PhD or equivalent degree in Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, Genetics or a related discipline.

Requirements are:

• A proven track record of success in applying multidimensional FACS analysis, molecular biology and protein chemistry techniques to the study of protein folding homeostasis in the Endoplasmic Reticulum.
• A proven track record of success in design, creation and genetic and phenotypic validation of multiple modified cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9 in the study of protein folding homeostasis in the Endoplasmic Reticulum.
• A proven track record of success in applying biophysical techniques of Analytical SEC, Mass photometry, AUC, FRET, BRET and FP to the study of the unfolded protein response.
• Good communication, team-work, organisational and record keeping skills are essential.

Preference will be given to applicants with familiarity with the laboratory's knock-in system for studying IRE1 chimeras and a track-record of publication in the area of IRE1 activation.

The Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) is located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and it is a collaborative institute at the interface between fundamental research and the clinic, with a mission to determine the molecular mechanisms of disease in order to advance human health.

Please contact Professor David Ron at dr360@cam.ac.uk for further information

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 June 2025 in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the apply button above.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and 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 e-mail address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.  Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager

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.

Advert information