Postdoctoral Research Assistant - MRC PPU - UOD1798

We are recruiting for an exceptional individual to join as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the laboratory of Dr Arpan Mehta. This is a fixed-term appointment for 18 months, with potential extension at the end of the term.

We are recruiting for a driven individual to join the laboratory of Dr Arpan Mehta, a clinician-scientist, with expertise in cell biology and/or gene-editing to conduct an innovative pooled CRISPR screen in human motor neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. The overarching goal of the lab is to undertake fundamental research to understand the molecular basis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of motor neuron disease (MND), through open and interdisciplinary collaborations within and outwith of our unit.

The successful applicant will undertake a project as part of the MND Accelerator (MNDAcc) initiative funded by the Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health and Care Research to make the translation of discoveries into therapeutics easier for motor neuron disease and frontotemporal dementia. The goal is to make robust discoveries and share data openly in the space of 18 months.

Your priorities will include:

• Build C9ORF72-iCas9 iPS cell line and perform quality control followed by differentiation to motor neurons and microglia using published protocols.
• Optimise and perform a kinome-wide CRSIPR/Cas9 knock out-screen and sgRNA enrichment analysis.
• Validate the top candidate hits and create a CROP-seq library in partnership with UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) single-cell facility.
• Public and patient involvement and engagement presentations.
• Dissemination of protocols and data openly and through formal peer-reviewed publications.
• Advising and mentoring undergraduate and PhD students.

Candidate requirements:

• PhD in molecular biology with a track record of academic success.
• Highly organised, motivated and meticulous, with an ability to work independently and to drive a project forwards robustly and at pace.
• Expertise in iPS cell culture is highly desirable, although the successful candidate would be supported and trained (if necessary) by Dr Lindsay Davidson who leads our iPSC core facility.
• Prior experience in gene editing and CRISPR screens would be highly desirable.

We are one of the UK’s leading universities, internationally recognised for our expertise across a range of disciplines and research breakthroughs in multiple areas, including science, medicine and engineering, amongst many others. Our purpose is to transform lives, locally and globally, which we do as a community of staff (Professional Services and academic Schools), students and alumni. Professional Services directorates are key to delivering the University strategy and driving change across the University.

For further information about this position please contact Dr Arpan Mehta at amehta001@dundee.ac.uk. To find out more about MRC PPU please visit www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk

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