Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Full time - 35 hours per week

Fixed term contract - 24 months

The Opportunity:

A postdoctoral researcher is sought for an initial 24-month post in Professor Yanick Crow's group to investigate links between genomic DNA and interferon-mediated innate immune signalling.

The primary viral DNA sensor cGAS is present in the nucleus, begging the question as to how the immunogenicity of self-nuclear DNA is regulated. Related to this observation, in 2020, we described mutations in the replication-dependent histone pre-mRNA processing complex to result in enhanced cGAS–STING mediated interferon signalling through a disturbance of linker histone protein stoichiometry (Nat Genet, 2020, 52, 1364-72). More recently, in unpublished data, we have identified mutations in a chromatin remodeller to also lead to cGAS-dependent interferon induction. Notably, these mutations are associated with significant neurological disease.

In line with these observations, this new role will focus on the link between nuclear DNA/chromatin and interferon signalling in iPSC-derived neurological cell types.

Applicants with expertise in iPSC technology, chromatin biology and innate immunity are particularly encouraged to apply. 

The Crow laboratory is multidisciplinary and international, with sustained high-quality productivity. Our work is generously supported by funding from the Medical Research Council, and an ERC Advanced Grant to the PI. Expertise in the group extends across molecular genetics, cell biology, model organisms and computational approaches. For further details on our group: https://www.ed.ac.uk/mrc-human-genetics-unit/research/crow-research-group

Informal enquiries to: Yanick.crow@ed.ac.uk

The post is available from 1^st June 2024.This post is full-time (35 hours per week), 

Your skills and attributes for success: 

• PhD in molecular genetics/biology or a closely related subject
• Expertise in chromatin biology and/or innate immune signalling
• Specific skills relating to the following techniques: mammalian cell/tissue culture, cloning and transfection, gene silencing and editing (CRISPR), transcriptomic profiling, western blotting, iPSC/neuronal cell culture and experimentation, CUT&TAG/CUT&RUN, immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry
• Ability to apply relevant knowledge, skills and techniques in research
• Excellent knowledge of scientific English for speaking, reading, and writing

Advert information