Postdoctoral Research Associate

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Dr Nikolas Nikolaou. This externally (BBSRC) funded post is available from 3rd February 2025 on a fixed-term basis for three years.

The successful applicant will perform laboratory-based research to elucidate the extra-nuclear function of SNRNP70, a major spliceosome protein, in modulating the axonal transcriptome and regulating neuronal connectivity. Candidates with prior experience in RNA biology and/or neuroscience are encouraged to apply but candidates with relevant experience from other disciplines are also encouraged to apply.

The post will include molecular cloning, CRISPR/Cas9-midiated gene editing in zebrafish, primary neuron cultures and transcriptome analysis using RNA-Seq. A significant component of the work will require experience of cell biology including imaging studies to monitor RNA dynamics in real time.

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 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. Applicants will be able to work to agreed timelines and milestones and maintain excellent written records and excellent interpersonal skills to coordinate activities with the other team members directly involved in this project.

Applicants will have strong knowledge in molecular cell biology, molecular cloning, confocal microscopy and enthusiastic interest in solving cell biological problems such as the molecular function of a major RNA splicing regulator in neuronal projections. Expertise in zebrafish genetics, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and cell culture will be considered as an advantage. The successful applicant will work with Dr Nikolas Nikolaou and his team at the Living System Institute (University of Exeter), in close collaboration with national and international partners, with the possibility of visiting their labs for a short period of time to learn new methodologies.

Please ensure you read the Job Description.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024).  We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.  More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

Further information

For further information please contact Dr Nikolas Nikolaou, e-mail (n.nikolaou@exeter.ac.uk), telephone (01392 727573)

The closing date for completed applications is 2nd January 2025

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