Postdoctoral Training Fellow

Vacancy Reference Number
R149
Closing Date
7 May 2021
Address
Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
Duration
4 years

Job Detail

We seek a talented, highly motivated and independent post-doctoral scientist to work on a project investigating the role of mitochondrial-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) interactions in regulating neuronal presynaptic function, and how this is altered in Parkinson’s disease, using biochemical approaches and quantitative live cell imaging in Mike Devine’s laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute.

Dr Devine is establishing a new group working at the interface between mitochondrial and synaptic biology. The group focuses on how mitochondria can regulate presynaptic function, and how this regulation is altered in neurological and psychiatric disease. Details of research projects currently being undertaken can be seen at: www.crick.ac.uk/research/labs/michael-devine. Research techniques used in the laboratory include transgenic mouse and human iPSC disease models, live cell imaging, genomic and transcriptomic analysis, and live cell nanobiopsy.

The research project aims to further our understanding of how mitochondria and ER interact at neuronal presynapses in order to modulate local Ca2+ signalling, thereby regulating synaptic transmission. Furthermore, we aim to establish whether mito-ER interactions at presynapses are disrupted in transgenic mouse models of Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson’s patient iPSC-derived neurons carrying mutations in α-synuclein. We will also assess whether disease phenotypes could be ameliorated via altering these interactions.

Postdoctoral Training Fellows are expected to lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators) and guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a team is essential.

Person Criteria

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, imaginative, open, dynamic and collegial, in addition to the following:

Essential

  • PhD in cell biology/neurobiology or in the final stages of PhD submission
  • Good working knowledge of mitochondrial biology and/or synaptic biology
  • Experience in quantitative live cell imaging
  • Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals
  • Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings
  • Experience of experimental design
  • Willingness to learn new experimental skills
  • Good organisational skills, ability to work independently and capable of interacting within a group
  • Strong communication skills

Desirable

  • Experience in primary neuronal culture and slice culture
  • Experience in hiPSC culture and differentiation
  • Experience in image analysis (Fiji, Matlab)
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills

How to Apply

https://crick.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/London/Postdoctoral-Training-Fellow_R149-1