Research Associate/Fellow in RNA Biology

University of Nottingham; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday

Flexible working arrangements

University closure days

Job summary

The University of Nottingham's Catherine Jopling group invites applications for a fixed-term postdoctoral position funded by a BBSRC grant. You will collaborate with the Bushell lab on CCR4-NOT and TENT4/5 proteins in mRNA targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum.

You will design and deliver experiments using CRISPR/Cas9, targeted protein degradation, reporter assays, and RNAseq approaches including SLAMseq and nanopore sequencing, contributing to understanding gene regulation with implications

Qualifications

• Strong interest in RNA regulation mechanisms.
• Expertise in molecular biology and cell culture.
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome modification.
• Advanced RNA technologies and bioinformatic RNAseq analysis advantageous.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to communicate and work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver experiments to address RNA regulation questions.
• Perform CRISPR/Cas9 genome modification experiments.
• Conduct RNAseq and nanopore-based analyses.
• Collaborate with lab members and discuss findings with the Bushell group.

Job description

About the role

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in Catherine Jopling’s research group at the University of Nottingham. The position is funded by a BBSRC grant, entitled “Defining the interconnected roles of CCR4-NOT and TENT4/5 proteins in mRNA targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum”, held jointly with Martin Bushell at the CRUK Scotland Institute. The successful applicant will collaborate closely with a second postdoctoral fellow based in the Bushell lab, including reciprocal visits.

This exciting project will build on recent findings from both labs to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which the CCR4-NOT deadenylase complex, the non-canonical poly(A) polymerases TENT4/5 and microRNAs regulate mRNA localisation to, and metabolism at, the endoplasmic reticulum. This is a fundamental molecular biology project that will provide new understanding of essential gene regulation mechanisms but also has potential longer term implications for the development of effective mRNA therapeutics. If successful, you will design and deliver experiments to address these questions using a wide range of techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9 genome modification, targeted protein degradation, reporter assays, and RNAseq approaches including SLAMseq and nanopore.

The Jopling lab is part of a thriving Gene Regulation and RNA Biology group in the School of Pharmacy, which was recently awarded Athena Swan Gold status. Our friendly, supportive and inclusive lab is based in the interdisciplinary Biodiscovery Institute on the attractive University Park campus. We are also part of the RNA Interdisciplinary Cluster at Nottingham (RIC@N) network of researchers, providing excellent opportunities for collaboration and interaction.

About you

This position will be an excellent career opportunity for you if you are a highly motivated scientist with a strong interest in mechanisms of RNA regulation. Expertise in molecular biology and cell culture is essential, and experience of CRISPR/Cas9 genome modification, advanced RNA technologies and bioinformatic analysis of RNAseq data would be advantageous. You should also have excellent analytical skills and the ability to communicate well, support others, and work effectively as part of a team.

What we offer

This fixed-term post is offered for 36 months from 1st November 2026, with some flexibility on the start date. The post is full time (36.25 hours/week); however, we are open to applications for flexible working arrangements and/or part time working. We welcome applications from individuals who do not meet every desirable characteristic but have a strong interest in the project and motivation to learn new skills. We provide generous holiday entitlement of 30 days, plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year.

£32,080 to £47,389 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD).

For more information on the Jopling lab, please see https://joplinglab.com/.