Research Associate/Fellow in RNA Biology (Fixed Term)

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

Job summary

University of Nottingham invites applications for a Research Associate/Fellow in RNA Biology (Fixed Term). The post is based in the School of Pharmacy at University Park and funded by a BBSRC grant, with collaboration across the Jopling and Bushell groups.

The successful candidate will design experiments to define how CCR4-NOT, TENT4/5 and microRNAs control mRNA localization and metabolism at the endoplasmic reticulum, using CRISPR/Cas9, targeted degradation, reporter assays and RNAseq

Qualifications

• Experience in molecular biology and cell culture is essential.
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome modification and advanced RNA technologies would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver experiments to elucidate RNA regulation mechanisms at the endoplasmic reticulum.
• Use CRISPR/Cas9, RNAseq approaches (including SLAMseq) and nanopore sequencing to address research questions.

Job description

Research Associate/Fellow in RNA Biology (Fixed Term)

Area
Pharmacy

Location
University Park

Salary
£32,080 to £47,389per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD). Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.

Closing Date
Sunday 15 November 2026

Reference
SCI2366326

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.

Th is 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 . E xpertise 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 e xcellent 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 1 st January 2027 , 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 g enerous holiday entitlement of 30 days , plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Yea r .

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration .