The University of Essex is in the top 20 in the UK for research intensity (REF2014) and has established a global reputation for pioneering research which helps change lives.
We are seeking to appoint Post-doctoral Research Associate to join Dr Filippo Prischi's team (https://www.essex.ac.uk/bs/staff/profile.aspx?ID=4512) in The School of Biological Sciences (http://www.essex.ac.uk/bs/research/centres_and_groups/psf/). The project is at the intersection of protein chemistry, cell biology and molecular biology, and is funded by the Wellcome Trust.
The successful candidate will characterise the p90 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (RSKs) protein family function in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). RSKs perform non-redundant, opposing functions and these opposing roles are linked to the ability of RSKs to differentially modulate gene expression by directly activating several transcription factors (TFs). However, the mechanism that allows RSKs to recognize and modulate the activity of different TFs and, as a consequence, initiate different signaling pathways, is still unclear. The aim of the project is to understand which RSK regulates which TF.
The project will involve large scale protein production and purification for in vitro screening of RSK-TFs complexes. The interaction will be characterised by a variety of biophysical assays e.g. pull-down assays, cross-linking, fluorescence spectroscopy and/or SPR surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The biological relevance of these in vitro data will be validated with cellular studies. This will involve generating knock-out cell lines using CRISPR-cas9, carrying out transient transfections and using RT-qPCR to analyse the expression of known target genes.
Candidates must hold, or be near to completion of, a PhD in a relevant subject area (biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology or related). It is essential that they have demonstrated outstanding skills in a wide variety of laboratory techniques.
Applications from candidates with a track-record of research on protein chemistry and/or cell biology are particularly encouraged. Sound understanding of general protein function and regulation in particular is essential, as is experience in supervising/training junior researchers.
This post is fixed-term for 2 years in the first instance.
At the University of Essex internationalism is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally-oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries and a university where you can find the world in one place.
Please see the further detail link below for a full job description, person specification and more information relating to this post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please telephone the Resourcing Team (01206 874693/873521).
*Further detail: Post-doctoral Research Associate jobpack*More information: Working at the University