This Wellcome Trust funded postdoctoral position is suitable for an enthusiastic and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate and is based in the laboratory of Professors Zofia Chrzanowska-Lightowlers and Robert Lightowlers to work in the area of mitochondrial gene expression. The project will involve utilisation of a range of molecular biology, biochemical and genetic techniques to investigate aspects of mitochondrial protein synthesis in health and disease. Using our unique method for visualising nascent protein synthesis, the applicant will investigate the distribution of submitochondrial sites of active translation using click chemistry and RNA-FISH in a variety of cells (including iPSC-derived cell types and tissues), as well as investigating the role of recently identified proteins in the delivery of mRNA to the mitoribosome. The applicant will also use our methodology to discover translational activators involved in regulating nascent mitochondrial protein synthesis.
You will have an excellent primary degree in the life sciences and a PhD in gene expression, molecular genetics, cell biology or closely related fields. A strong background in cellular and molecular biology is essential. Previous knowledge and experience in analysis of mitochondria and gene expression studies in higher eukaryotes in relation to mitochondria and mitochondrial disease is also required.
You should be ambitious with a demonstrable drive to succeed and produce work at the highest level. You should have excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
This post is fixed term for three years.
For further information about this post please contact Professor Zofia Chrzanowska-Lightowlers at zofia.chrzanowska-lightowlers@newcastle.ac.uk or Professor Bob Lightowlers at Robert.lightowlers@newcastle.ac.uk.
For information about the Institute of Neuroscience, click here. For more information about the Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research please click here.
The University holds a silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. The University also holds the HR Excellence in Research award for our work to support the career development of our researchers, and is a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Newcastle University is committed to being a fully inclusive Global University which actively recruits, supports and retains staff from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the community they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.
For more information and to apply, click here
Professor Zofia Chrzanowska-Lightowlers: zofia.chrzanowska-lightowlers@newcastle.ac.uk
Professor Bob Lightowlers: Robert.lightowlers@newcastle.ac.uk.
