Research Fellow

We are inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position, funded by a Medical Research Council (MRC) Grant. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge project investigating the interplay between epigenetics and metabolism in embryonic stem cells (ESCs).

Metabolic pathways supply essential metabolites for chemical modifications of chromatin, ultimately affecting gene expression. However, there is a fundamental gap in our knowledge about the molecular mechanisms through which cell metabolism affects chromatin modifications in pluripotent stem cells and how these processes are coordinated during early development. We recently discovered that pluripotent stem cells have an unusual metabolism and, unlike adult cells, use specific nutrients (betaine) to drive their metabolism (one carbon metabolism). Interestingly, mutations of the one carbon (1C) metabolism are associated with inborn errors of metabolism such as homocystinuria patients. These mutations may also influence neural differentiation in the early embryo.

Under the supervision of Dr. Yaser Atlasi, the successful candidate will employ CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to delete different members of the 1C metabolism in human ESCs and assess the impact on neural differentiation. Furthermore, the candidate will utilize state-of-the-art epigenomics and metabolomics approaches to map the genomic distribution of specific histone marks in response to metabolic changes in ESCs.

This project is conducted in collaboration with University of Sheffield, University of Freiburg and EMBL Italy, providing an exceptional opportunity to study these molecular mechanisms within the context of early development. The PDRA will have the opportunity to visit University of Sheffield to gain further training in neural differentiation assays in hESCs. The collaboration offers the successful candidate access to world-class expertise, resources, and mentorship, fostering a vibrant and supportive research environment.

About the person:

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following criteria:

• Hold or be about to obtain* a PhD in Molecular biology, Biochemistry, genomics, or a related discipline. (*PhD to be completed within 3 months of the closing date for the post).
• Significant, relevant research experience to include:
  • Experience in maintaining stem cell culture models, with preference for human ECSs.
  • Experience in genome editing tools, such as CRISPR/Cas9.
  • Experience in high-throughput (epi)genomics assays or related technologies.
  • Familiarity with tools for analysing genomic data.
  • Knowledge in chromatin biology and related technologies.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.

This is a 2 year fixed term post. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

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