Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA)

About the Role

Applications are sought for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) to undertake research in collaboration with and under the supervision of Dr Faraz Mardakheh (Barts Cancer Institute), and Dr Paola Scaffidi (Francis Crick Institute) for a BBSRC funded research project to study the role of RNA in chromatin regulation. The post will be based in the Centre for Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), with access to Francis Crick Institute also provided to the PDRA for some of the experimental works.

About You

Essential requirements for this post include having a PhD in a relevant biological subject (or having submitted a thesis for PhD and expecting to have the viva soon), and an undergraduate degree in a medical/biological subject. Significant research laboratory experience in RNA biology, microscopy, as well as cell & molecular biology is essential. Additional experience in RNA-protein interaction analysis would be an advantage. A demonstrable ability of good scientific communication, working within a scientific team, and maintaining good laboratory records is also essential.

About the Institute

The project is based on our laboratory’s discovery that RNA can directly bind to and control the activity of specific histone proteins in response to MAPK signalling. Our goal now is to reveal the identity of RNA molecules which bind to histones, and understand the mechanisms by which they regulate chromatin function in response to MAPK signaling. Using cutting-edge methodologies such as iCLIP, RNA imaging, and next-generation sequencing approaches to study chromatin, our team now seeks to comprehensively decipher the mechanism and functional consequences of RNA-histone interactions in regulation of chromatin biology. The candidate will join a vibrant multidisciplinary, multi-institutional environment with a strong critical mass in RNA and chromatin cancer cell biology, and will be supported to develop their scientific career and have an impact in the RNA, chromatin, and cancer field.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable. We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities.

The post is based at the Charterhouse Campus in London. It is full time, fixed term appointment for 3 years, with the option to further extend the contract based on performance. The expected start date of the post is 1st of April 2023. The starting salary for an entry level candidate will be Grade 4, Spine point 27 (£36,348) per annum (pro-rata), inclusive of London Allowance.

Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr Faraz Mardakheh at f.mardakheh@qmul.ac.uk or on +44 (0) 020 7882 8145.

For information about the Mardakheh research group please visit:

http://mardakhehlab.info/

https://www.bartscancer.london/staff/dr-faraz-mardakheh/

The closing date for applications is16 February 2023.

Interviews are expected to be held on shortly thereafter.

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