Salary: £28,132-£36,661

Reference: PR02481

Closing date: 12 February 2014

Post-doctoral Research Associate positions are available to join Dr. Julie Ahringer's laboratory (http://www2.gurdon.cam.ac.uk/~ahringerlab/) to study the regulation of chromatin in development and gene expression using the C. elegans model system. Experimental and computational positions are available.

Work in the laboratory focuses on the regulation of chromatin in transcription and genome organization in a developmental context. Chromatin regulation is critical for most cellular processes, including the expression of cell identity and the maintenance of pluripotency, and alterations in chromatin are associated with many human diseases, such as developmental defects, ageing, and cancer. C. elegans is a powerful model for uncovering conserved principles of chromatin regulation, as it has a complement of core chromatin factors very similar to that of humans (many with existing mutants), a small well-annotated genome (30x smaller than human), easy application of RNAi for loss of function studies, and well-characterised cell fates.

Current projects focus on:

1.            Functions of conserved chromatin factors, the human homologs of which are critical for human biology or implicated in disease (e.g. the Retinoblastoma/DRM, NuRD, and TIP60 complexes, heterochromatin proteins, and histone modifying proteins). 

2.            The mechanism of action of enhancers and functions of enhancer transcription.

3.            The formation and regulation of different types of chromatin domains.

The laboratory addresses these questions by applying high-throughput and directed methods to analyse gene expression and epigenetic state and function in wild-type and mutant animals and tissues. 

Successful candidates will be motivated and organised individuals with a PhD in a relevant area, excellent verbal and written communication skills as evidenced by publications in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Expertise in a broad range of molecular biology techniques or in bioinformatics/computational analyses are essential. Previous experience in investigating transcription, epigenetic control of gene expression, and/or computational analyses are desirable. 

The Gurdon Institute is located in the heart of the city of Cambridge, and is part of the University's School of Biological Sciences. It is a world-renowned centre in developmental and cellular biology and cancer research. Supported by funding from the Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK, it benefits from state-of-the-art facilities including bioinformatics, media preparation and animal husbandry. It provides the best atmosphere for research and a vibrant environment that facilitates the interactions and collaborations between scientists within the Centre and within Cambridge. Its postdoc association encourages scientific and social interactions and provides career development opportunities.

Please quote reference PR02481 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Applications should be submitted via the online application facility.

Limited funding: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit:

http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/2905.

This will take you to the role on the University's Job Opportunities pages. There you will need to click on the 'Apply online' button and register an account with the University's Web Recruitment System (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

To apply online or view further information, please visit: http//www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job2408 Please note your application and covering letter will be requested via the on-line process, when completing the covering letter, please explain the reasons why you are interested in this position)

Please quote reference PR02481 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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