Back to search results
Header Image

MRC Postdoctoral Fellow

University of Cambridge - MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit

The University of Cambridge wishes to appoint a postdoctoral scientist to join Dr. Michal Minczuk's research group in the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit in Cambridge. The postholder will work within a programme focussed on mitochondrial genome editing model and cure mitochondrial diseases.

Mammalian mitochondria contain several copies of their own genome (mtDNA) which encodes 13 essential subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system. Pathogenic variants in the mitochondrial genome can result in mitochondrial diseases, which are a major group of inherited conditions affecting ~1 in 8,000 humans. These disorders are currently incurable and effectively untreatable, with heterogeneous penetrance, presentation and prognosis. This project aims at addressing the lack of effective treatment for these disorders.

The first goal of the project is to exploit a recently developed method for precise genome editing (DdCBE, TALED, ZFD or mitoBE - PMID: 34857922 and PMID: 34857922) to generate novel pre-clinical cellular and mouse models that recapitulate common molecular features of mtDNA disease.

The second goal is to characterise the key molecular features of these newly developed models and use them in pre-clinical treatments. In one of the approaches, we will use mitochondrial programmable nucleases (mtZFNs or mitoTALENs, PMID: 34857922) and base editors to induce specific reduction of mutant mtDNA. We will follow a reversion of mitochondrial dysfunction phenotypes using single-cell genomics, proteomics and dedicated methods assessing mitochondrial function (PMID:36827974, PMID:30250142).

The results obtained within this project will constitute proof of principle that mtDNA mutation correction using genome modification tools could provide a therapeutic route for mitochondrial diseases of diverse genetic origin. The project will be performed in close collaboration with a mitochondrial patient support and community group (CureMito.org) and an industrial partner (pretzeltx.com), increasing chances for clinical translation and commercialization of the technologies. 

Candidates will have (or be about to be awarded) a PhD in biological sciences, and a track record of related research achievements. Knowledge of RNA biology and experience of structural biology are essential. 

The MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit is a world-renowned centre for research in respiratory enzymes. Additional information can be found at www.mrc-mbu.cam.ac.uk.

This is a fixed term training programme post for 3 years from date of appointment.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The closing date for applications is: 31st July 2023

The interview date for the role is: To be confirmed

Please quote reference SM37002 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Location: Cambridge
Salary: £35,308 to £43,155 per annum
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract
Placed On: 5th June 2023
Closes: 31st July 2023
Job Ref: SM37002
   
We value your feedback on the quality of our adverts. If you have a comment to make about the overall quality of this advert, or its categorisation then please send us your feedback
Show all jobs for University of Cambridge …
Advert information

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):

Job tools
 

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Ok Ok

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Account Verification Missing

In order to create multiple job alerts, you must first verify your email address to complete your account creation

Request verification email Request verification email

jobs.ac.uk Account Required

In order to create multiple alerts, you must create a jobs.ac.uk jobseeker account

Create Account Create Account

Alert Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your account is currently blocked. Please login to unblock your account.

Email Address Blocked

We received a delivery failure message when attempting to send you an email and therefore your email address has been blocked. You will not receive job alerts until your email address is unblocked. To do so, please choose from one of the two options below.

Max Alerts Reached

A maximum of 5 Job Alerts can be created against your account. Please remove an existing alert in order to create this new Job Alert

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your alert was not created at this time. Please try again.

Ok Ok

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

 
 

Browser Upgrade Recommended

jobs.ac.uk has been optimised for the latest browsers.

For the best user experience, we recommend viewing jobs.ac.uk on one of the following:

Google Chrome Firefox Microsoft Edge