Postdoctoral Researcher in DNA Damage Signalling

About the role

Applications are invited for a Cancer Research UK funded postdoctoral position in Prof. Andrew Blackford’s lab. The aim of the lab’s research is to understand how DNA double-strand break repair protein complexes are regulated at the molecular level, and to exploit this knowledge for therapeutic benefit. Prof. Andrew Blackford’s lab recently identified a novel protein complex that we proposed is required to hold broken chromosomes together while cells are attempting chromosome segregation (Leimbacher et al., Mol. Cell 2019). More recent evidence indicates that some cancer cells are particularly reliant on this pathway for their survival. We therefore hypothesise that enzymatic activities associated with it may be novel drug targets to kill tumours with certain genetic vulnerabilities. However, we still have a poor understanding of how this protein complex is regulated, its structure and contribution to tumour suppression and human health.

The successful candidate will attempt to answer these questions, using a combination of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing, live-cell super-resolution microscopy, biochemistry and cell biology techniques. 

This role is offered on a full-time basis and is fixed term for 3 year in the first instance.

About you

You should possess (or be nearing completion of) a PhD/DPhil in a relevant field such as cell biology or molecular biology. Essential experience includes mammalian cell culture, immunofluorescence microscopy, plasmid design and cloning. A keen attention to detail, high motivation, and excellent communication skills, including writing for publication and presenting research, are crucial. Ideally, you'll have a background in areas like DNA damage response, DNA replication, cell cycle, mitosis or related areas of chromosome biology. Experience in biochemistry, bioinformatics, proteomics, lentivirus transduction, CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing, and/or super-resolution microscopy, is a plus. Having a first author paper published in a reputable journal or a manuscript under review would be advantageous.

Application process

If you would like to discuss this role please contact Prof. Andrew Blackford on  andrew.blackford@imm.ox.ac.

You will be required to upload a supporting statement (setting out how you meet the selection criteria), a curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 27th October 2023.

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