Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cell Division

The Role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cell Division, with particular emphasis on the intersection between cell signalling and division, using C. elegans. The research project is funded by the BBSRC for three years and is led by Dr Tim Davies. The research will explore the mechanism by which Wnt signalling can promote successful cytokinesis in the early C. elegans embryo.

Cytokinesis, the division of one cell into two, is crucial for an organism’s development and healthy life. Similarities in the structural and molecular organization of the division apparatus in a variety of model systems give the impression that the mechanisms underlying division are shared between cell and organism types. However, work using temperature sensitive mutants in the early embryo of the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans has shown that the requirement for key cytokinetic proteins varies between specific cell types in the early C. elegans embryo. Our preliminary work indicates that Wnt signalling is important for division in some cells when the actomyosin contractile ring has been damaged. The objective of this project will be to determine how Wnt signalling interacts with the c ytoskeleton and cell division machinery to promote successful cell division.

The successful applicant will be expected to lead the project with the supervisor and take responsibility for practical work including: molecular biology, C. elegans maintenance, genetics, and transgenics, live fluorescence microscopy and biochemistry.

See https://www.davieslab.org for more information about the Davies lab’s research.

This post is fixed term for 36 months - funding is available for this fixed period.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by October 2025, though there is some flexibility.

Contact Information

Department contact for academic-related enquiries

Dr Tim Davies.  timothy.r.davies@durham.ac.uk 

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas

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