Research Associate

London, United Kingdom · Full Time · Fixed-Term/Contract

Job description

The Houart lab is seeking to appoint three postdoctoral research associates (PDRA) to join a Wellcome Trust-funded research programme aiming to understand the role of axonal splicing factors and intron retaining transcripts in neuronal maturation, establishment and maintenance of neuronal connectivity. Our nervous system crucially relies on local fast decisions taken at synapses, long distance from the neuronal cell body. The mechanisms by which these decisions are spatio-temporally controlled remain obscure. Axonal splicing factors and intron-retaining mRNAs have newly been identified as key players in the process. We seek to understand the fundamental molecular and cellular roles they play locally in the dynamic control of neuronal connectivity, using animal models (zebrafish) and cell culture approaches.

The research programme will require expertise in genetics, transcriptomics, proteomics, high-resolution (live and fixed) molecular imaging, computational analytical methods. We wish to appoint a PDRA with expertise in cutting-edge imaging technology, a PDRA with strong zebrafish neurobiology background and a PDRA with very strong protein/RNA biology experience.

The Houart lab is a long-term member and Deputy Head of the outstanding Centre for Developmental Neurobiology and MRC Centre for NeuroDevelopmental Disorders and is attached to the Francis Crick Institute. This environment provides world-class research facilities essential for this ambitious research programme.

For further information, please contact Prof. Corinne Houart, corinne.houart@kcl.ac.uk

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for up to 5 years, with one year probation time.

This is a full-time post – 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

• Undertake original biomedical research as an integral member of a group working on CNS development, using animal model (zebrafish), zebrafish/mammalian neuronal cultures and human fixed tissues.
• Perform precise cell manipulations in zebrafish embryos, with post-hoc immunostaining and/or high res. confocal (in vivo) imaging
• Generate genetic lines, combination of transgenic and mutations to study mRNA and splicing factor behaviour in vivo, using cutting-edge imaging approaches
• Use most recent techniques (eg. TRIBE, RAP-MS, Click-Chemistry) to identify RNA/protein molecular interactions
• Analyse and quantify imaging and ‘omics’ data
• Develop novel approaches to understand protein/mRNA interactions in vivo.
• Maintain up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive laboratory notes
• Assist, supervise and train other members of the group, including students and other research staff in their application in related lab projects.
• Manage the progress and set goals for achievement of project aims in collaboration with team leaders including the execution of literature reviews, data collection and analysis, and report.
• Prepare reports on results for verbal and multimedia presentations at regular lab meetings, departmental seminars, national and international meetings.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer review journals or book chapters
• Facilitate collaboration and networking, which engages and supports the activities of this research.
• Communicate and collaborate with other members of the team
• Participate in public engagement activities that promote a public understanding of science commensurate with career development on the basis of mutual agreement with team leaders.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Additional Info:

Location: London
Salary: £38,304 to £41,517 including London Weighting Allowance
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract
Placed On: 22nd January 2021
Closes: 28th February 2021
Job Ref: 013764

Please click here to apply.