Research Fellow

About us

The RNA Regulation Laboratory, headed by Prof Andres Ramos is a highly dynamic research environment that applies a multi-disciplinary approach to address key questions in RNA Biology and neuronal regulation. The laboratory is part of the Biosciences Division, a centre of research excellence and one of the largest Divisions within UCL. Research activities in the Division and the linked Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology are underpinned by state-of the-art research facilities hosting and developing methodologies, including laboratories for X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, NMR spectroscopy, single molecules methods, cell biology, optical microscopy, bioinformatics and ion mobility mass spectrometry. The Division coordinates a range of undergraduate and master programmes, and host a large number of postgraduate research students funded by MRC, BBSRC, EPSRC and many others. Symposia, retreats and seminar series are an important part of the experience of our c ommunity.

The Ramos lab promotes independent, creative, thinking, and projects are often in collaboration. The project we propose is an exciting opportunity to explore the role that RNA regulation plays in neuronal development at the molecular level, integrating structural biology, NMR and biophysical data with data on in cell interactions and function.

About the role

The research we propose will focus on understanding the molecular basis of regulation in local mRNA translation and neuronal development. Important questions include, but are not limited to, how the regulatory proteins recognise a diverse network of mRNAs targets encoding for microtubule proteins, how phosphorylation signals regulate the proteins’ activity and how the proteins recruit the mRNA to the transport machinery. To study the complex, dynamic, regulatory systems involved, the role holder will use NMR, including developing ad hoc NMR methodology, but also a range of other structural biology and biophysical methods. They will liaise with a network of collaborators and work closely with a cell biologist and a technician funded by the grant. They will pursue original multidisciplinary research and be an active member of the Ramos lab.

This is an open ended contract for 30 months from the start date, in the first instance.

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact Biosciences staffing at .

About you

You must have a PhD in structural biology, biophysics or a related subject area and proven knowledge of NMR and its application to the study of macromolecules. Experience in protein and RNA biochemistry, methods to detect protein-RNA interactions, and basic cell biology is also important. You will be expected to work as part of a tightly integrated team to produce original contributions to the mechanistic understanding of the role of RNA regulators in neuronal development. Your studies will focus on the understanding of the IGFBP1/IMP1 system, in the first instance. In addition to developing and conducting the research, you will contribute expertise to the overall research effort in the Ramos group. You will also communicate results as scientific papers in leading journals, and as scientific presentations at national and international conferences.

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