Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)
An opportunity is available for a postdoctoral scientist to join the group of Dr. Michael Imbeault in the Department of Genetics, Cambridge - https://www.gen.cam.ac.uk/research-groups/research-groups/imbeault. Our research is focused on characterizing the role of KRAB zinc finger proteins, the largest family of DNA binding factors in the human genome. Many of the projects in our lab relate to their function in transposable element regulation and the evolution of gene regulatory networks - this project is based on a new and exciting way to efficiently obtain an overview of these networks in various cell contexts. Through the project, the candidate will have the opportunity to develop a strong expertise in epigenetics and transposable elements.
Candidates should be highly motivated and have a PhD (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant biological science. Ideally, the candidate will have experience working with mammalian cells, chromatin immunoprecipitation, lentiviral vectors and CRISPR/Cas9 to mediate knock-in of short DNA sequences encoding for protein tags (HA, dTAG). Experience in heterochromatin biology and advanced variants of chromatin immunoprecipitation (optimization of ChIP for non-DNA contacting targets, ChIP-exo, Cut and tag) is required.
Where the successful applicant does not yet have a PhD, they will normally be under-appointed as a Research Assistant in a Research Associate post (on the understanding that they will be appointed as a Research Associate upon successful completion of their PhD). The salary for a Research Assistant is £29,605- £33,966, the salary for a Research Associate is £36,024- £44,263.
The successful candidate will be involved in the use and development of methods to quantify gene regulatory networks normally silenced by KRAB zinc finger proteins in a variety of cellular contexts using genetic manipulations. The project requires a combination of various approaches, including the use of CRISPR/Cas9 to engineer degron-tagged cell lines and deep sequencing to quantify genome-wide transcriptomics and epigenetic profiles. Although a plan has been designed to answer the question efficiently, the candidate will have the opportunity to provide their input and bring their own set of ideas and expertise.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2024 in the first instance.
We particularly welcome applications from women, candidates who identify as Black or Asian and those who consider themselves to be racialized minorities, as they are currently under-represented at this level in the University. We offer mentoring and access to inclusion networks to support and empower individuals and enable an inclusive research culture.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
For informal enquiries about the role please contact Dr Michael Imbeault at mi339@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PC39561 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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