2 Postdoc positions in Chemical Biologist to study DNA and their epigenetic functions 1792 views

The funds for this post of Postdoctoral Research Associate positions are available for two years in the first instance.  Candidates are invited for a highly motivated postdoc scientist to work with Professor Sir Shankar Balasubramanian on a Cancer Research UK funded project to investigate the structure and function of G-quadruplex secondary structures in DNA.

Position 1 Reference MA16241

The postdoctoral position is available from August 2018 onwards. Certain G-rich DNA (and RNA) sequences can fold into four-stranded secondary structures called G-quadruplexes. We have been studying the formation of these structures in vitro and in cells with a view to elucidating their function(s), their roles in disease states and their potential as molecular targets for drugs. Evidence suggests G-quadruplexes may be important for the control of transcription, translation and other key processes in biology.

Our research programme uses a combination of interdisciplinary approaches that include chemical biology, molecular biophysics, structural biology, cell biology and genomics to explore mechanisms involving G-quadruplexes with an emphasis on intervention strategies for cancer [e.g. see Nature Chemistry, 2017, 9, 1110; Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 2017, 18, 279; Nature, 2018, 558, 465-469; Nature Genetics, 2016, 48, 1267-1272; Nature Communications, 2017, 8, 14432].

Only candidates who apply through the University’s on-line Web Recruitment System will be considered.  See http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/18249/

Position 2 reference MA16242 

The DNA alphabet also includes natural chemical modifications to DNA bases that can change the structure, recognition and function of DNA. Our programme of research aims to elucidate DNA base modifications and their effects on the folded structure of DNA, protein-DNA interactions and also the assembly of nucleosomes with the goal of explaining how and why this modulates the function of cells and organisms. Examples will include 5-methylcytosine, a well-known epigenetic feature in addition to more recently discovered modified bases such as 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, 5-formylcytosine and 5-carboxylcytosine. Our lab employs and develops chemical, physical, biological and genomic approaches to investigate the presence of, and to gain mechanistic insights into modified base function in human, mouse and parasite genomes [e.g. see: Nature Chemical Biology, 2015, 11, 555; Nature Reviews Chemistry, 2017, 1, 0069; Nature Chemistry, 2014, 6, 1049; Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, 2015, 22, 44; Genome Biology, 2012, 13:R69; Science, 2012, 336, 934].

We look to appoint a postdoctoral scientist with experience and/or a strong interest in nucleic acids who can develop and apply molecular approaches to elucidate mechanisms.

The successful applicant will possess strong experimental skills in chemical biology and/or molecular biology and demonstrate a rigorous intellectual capacity for innovation and show exceptional initiative and independent thinking.

We seek individuals with excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Candidates should have (or be about to receive) a PhD in a relevant discipline.  See https://www.balasubramanian.co.uk for further information.

For queries regarding applying online for this post, please contact Jo Lockhart, PA to Professor Sir Shankar Balasubramanian, email: [email protected].

Only applicants using the University’s Web Recruitment Systemwide be considered (http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/18250/)

Please quote reference on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.