Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Research Associate in Mechanistic Functional Genomics

We are seeking to appoint a Research Associate in Mechanistic Functional Genomics to join the Gustavsson Group at the UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Cambridge. The role will focus on understanding how genetic variation and transcript diversity at key loci implicated in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders contribute to disease mechanisms.

The post is fixed term for 2 years and funded by the UK Dementia Research Institute.

The major purpose of this postdoctoral position is to use long-read DNA and RNA sequencing, targeted molecular assays and functional genomics approaches to characterise disease-relevant loci, transcripts and variants in neurodegenerative disease.

The role will sit at the interface between experimental and computational biology. The successful candidate will generate and interpret long-read sequencing data; help optimise emerging approaches such as long-read ribosome profiling; perform targeted experimental work including reporter/luciferase assays; and integrate findings with genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic datasets. The post-holder will also interact with ongoing projects developing RNA-based therapeutic strategies, including antisense oligonucleotide approaches, by helping to prioritise and functionally evaluate disease-relevant transcripts, splice events and variants. Candidates with backgrounds in molecular biology, genomics, neuroscience, functional genomics, bioinformatics or related areas are encouraged to apply, particularly where they have experience working across wet- and dry-lab approaches.

For informal enquiries regarding the role, contact Dr Emil Gustavsson at eg713@cam.ac.uk. The role will be based at the UK DRI, Island Research Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, CB2 0AH.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. We particularly encourage women and/or candidates from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background to apply for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level within our University. 

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Closing date: 19 July

Interviews to take place in the week commencing 3 August

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

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,610) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Please quote reference RR50168 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.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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