Postdoctoral Scientist: Biochemistry/Biophysics of Protein-RNA Condensates

Are you an early career researcher with an interest in neurodegeneration and the central nervous system?

We have an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the newly established Hallegger Group in the Oxford-GSK Institute for Molecular & Computational Medicine (IMCM), at the Nuffield Department of Medicine.

The Hallegger Lab is an inclusive environment with a focus on positive and proactive mentorship, teamwork, and scientific creativity. The Hallegger lab addresses the question of what proteomics and transcriptomics changes are linked to the earliest stages in neurodegeneration. In this role, you will undertake multidisciplinary approaches to discover and validate proteomic changes associated with changes in the condensation behaviour of TDP-43, an RNA-binding protein central to Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

As a protein biochemist with biophysical experience, you will be responsible for performing protein purification and phase separation experiments, and generating proteomic data of co-condensates formed by TDP-43. You will undertake cellular and biochemical assays on these co-condensates using molecular biology, proteomics techniques and microscopy, and utilise RNAseq and iCLIP RNA-sequencing approaches to look at gene expression and regulation changes to identify proteins/pathways linked to the condensation behaviour of RNA binding proteins. Other responsibilities will include managing own academic research and administrative activities, including small scale project management, co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines, and carrying out data analysis and interpretation of datasets (with support from local specialist proteomics, bioinformatics and imaging teams).

You will have, or be close to the completion of, a PhD/DPhil in a relevant area of protein biochemistry or biophysical science, and you will be experienced in general molecular biology techniques (immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting, and microscopy). A strong track record in the key areas of research such as protein/proteins or protein/RNA interactions, membrane-less organelles, or similar is required for this role, along side experience in protein purification including chromatography techniques. Other key skills for this role include experience in microscopy, proteomics, and basic bioinformatic analysis, as well as a working knowledge of relevant analysis and statistical programs (eg. Fiji, CellProfiler, Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, GraphPad Prism, RStudio).

Interviews will be held the week commencing 6 January 2025.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience.

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract for 36 months and is funded by GSK.

Only applications received before 12 midday on 2 December 2024 will be considered. Please quote 176287 on all correspondence.

Advert information