Research Associate - Smith Group (Fixed Term)

We are seeking a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Research Associate to work on a new BBSRC-funded project 'Molecular grammar of a cell-type specific alternative splicing regulator' as part of an interdisciplinary team based at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge (Professors Chris Smith and Dr Katherine Stott) and the College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester (Professors Ian Eperon, Cyril Dominguez and Andrew Hudson). The project builds upon the discovery by the Cambridge team of the RNA binding protein RBPMS as a regulator of smooth muscle cell specific splicing and the finding that recombinant RBPMS can confer cell specific splicing in vitro, and self-assemble into phase separated states. The project will investigate the molecular and biophysical basis of splicing regulation using an array of state of the art biophysical, structural, molecular and chemical biology techniques, including single molecule analyses of splicing complexes as pioneered by the Leicester team.

The post-holder will work within the group of Professor Chris Smith (Department of Biochemistry, located in the MRC Toxicology Unit) in close collaboration with Dr Katherine Stott (Department of Biochemistry).

The work will involve: molecular cloning, cell culture and transfection, analysis of RNA by RT-PCR, protein expression and purification from E coli, protein modification with fluorophores, photocrosslinking reagents and PRE probes for NMR, preparation of nuclear extracts, in vitro splicing assays, a range of biophysical assays, photochemical crosslinking and submission of samples for proteomics and subsequent data analysis. The postholder will work collaboratively with a current postdoc in the Stott lab on NMR work, and with a newly appointed postdoctoral researcher in the Leicester team.

Candidates should hold a PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biophysics or another relevant subject.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years, from 1st May 2026 until 30th April 2029, in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Chris Smith (https://www.bioc.cam.ac.uk/research/smith-chris) via cwjs1@cam.ac.uk

For queries regarding the application process, please contact the Biochemistry HR Team via: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PH48297 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.

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