12854 - Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a postdoctoral candidate to lead an innovative research project integrating kinetochore biology with neuroscience. The successful candidate will focus on how kinetochores and the cytoskeleton influence neurodevelopmental processes, utilizing the C. elegans model system. A strong motivation and publication record are desired for this exciting opportunity.

Qualifications

• Experience working with the C. elegans model system.
• Proficiency in standard techniques in molecular biology and cell culture.
• Strong publication record desired.

Responsibilities

• Lead an innovative research project integrating kinetochore biology with neuroscience.
• Develop independent research program focusing on kinetochore-cytoskeleton interactions.
• Utilize multi-disciplinary approaches in genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry.

Skills

Cell biology

Fluorescence microscopy

Quantitative image analysis

Biochemical methods

Genome engineering

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

C. elegans model system

Electron microscopy

Job description

Grade UE07: £40,497 to £48,149 per annum

CSE / School of Biological Sciences / Institute of Cell Biology

Full Time: 35 hours per week

Fixed Term: 36 months



We are looking for a postdoc candidate to lead an innovative research project that integrates kinetochore biology with neuroscience. This project builds on the pioneering discoveries made by the Cheerambathur Lab on the novel roles of kinetochore proteins in brain development and explores how the chromosome segregation machinery is reutilized in post-mitotic neurons to construct and repair neural circuits.

Our research shows that kinetochore proteins, traditionally known for segregating chromosomes during cell division, serve as critical cytoplasmic regulators of neuronal cytoskeleton — impacting dendrite patterning, axonal guidance and synaptogenesis, and neuronal regeneration (Cheerambathur et al., Ouzounidis et al., Domingos et al.). By leveraging the well-established neuronal model, C. elegans as a primary discovery tool and translating key findings to more complex vertebrate neural circuits, we aim to uncover the unknown functions of kinetochores in these major neuronal processes.



The Opportunity:

We specialize in integrating multi-disciplinary approaches, combining the latest in genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry to unravel the mechanistic underpinnings of neuronal processes. Importantly, this position offers a unique opportunity to develop an independent research program in a very novel area of biology, focusing on how the kinetochore and the cytoskeleton interact to influence major neurodevelopmental processes across various organisms.

We are particularly looking for candidates with experience working with the C. elegans model system and in vitro biochemical assays.



Your skills and attributes for success:

Strong motivation to contribute to a novel area of cell biology and neurobiology.
Strong organizational, communication and critical thinking skills.
Command of standard techniques in molecular biology and cell culture (mammalian cells) and/model organisms.
Expertise & training in the following: cell biology, live-cell and quantitative fluorescence microscopy, quantitative image analysis, electron microscopy, biochemical methods, genome engineering, mass photometer and data handling.
A publication record is strongly desired.