Research Associate/Fellow in RNA Biology (Fixed Term)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday entitlement

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive lab environment

Job summary

University of Nottingham invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Catherine Jopling’s research group. The project focuses on mRNA targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum, exploring CCR4-NOT deadenylase, TENT4/5, and microRNA roles.

You will design experiments using CRISPR/Cas9, RNAseq and related methods, collaborating across labs. The role offers a 36-month fixed-term contract, full-time with flexibility for part-time or flexible working.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field.
• Experience in molecular biology and cell culture essential.
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome modification desirable.
• Experience with RNAseq data analysis and bioinformatic analysis advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver experiments to understand how CCR4-NOT and TENT4/5 regulate mRNA localisation to the ER.
• Collaborate with the Bushell lab and Jopling lab; perform genome modification, reporter assays and RNAseq approaches including SLAMseq and nanopore.
• Communicate results effectively within a team and to project leads.

Skills

RNA regulation

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Analytical skills

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

CRISPR/Cas9

RNAseq data analysis

Bioinformatics

Job description

Salary

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

Area

Pharmacy

Location

University Park

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 .

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

Informal enquiries

Please note that applications sent directly to [e-mail] will not be accepted.

University values and equality

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.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) employer. Increasing the diversity of our community is extremely important to us and we are committed to the aims of Disability Confident Scheme.

We are the first university to have achieved Athena Swan Gold Award.

Support for applicants

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

Discover our benefits, visit Your Benefits website.

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 .