Research Fellow in Specialised Ribosomes

Available on a fixed-term basis for 2 years (to complete specific time limited work)

This role will be based on the university campus. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in gene expression and RNA biology? Do you want to further your career in one of the UKs leading research intensive Universities?

We are looking for an outstanding research fellow to join the Aspden group at the University of Leeds. You will be part of a large team (£5.6M, funded by a BBSRC Strategic Longer and Larger grant). The team aims to unravel the ‘ribosome code’, rules that explain how compositionally dissecting ribosomes enable translation of specific sets of mRNAs. Specifically, you will focus on dissecting the molecular mechanisms by which specialised ribosomes regulate translation. This will include cloning, designing transgenics, CRISPR, RNAi, phenotypic assessment and translation assays (e.g. sucrose gradients). You will work closely with others of the team who will generate ribosome complexes and structurally characterise them. Together we will be able to dissect conserved mechanisms of ribosome specialisation across eukaryotes, allowing us to unravel the ‘ribosome code’.

The University of Leeds and the Faculty of Biological Sciences are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN (the national body that promotes gender equality in higher education), and the Faculty of Biological Sciences successfully renewed its Athena Swan Silver Award in 2025.  We are proud to be an inclusive Faculty that values all staff, and are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. Our Athena SWAN webpage provides more information. 

Salary Requirements of the Skilled Worker Visa Route 

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Dr Julie Aspden, Associate Professor in RNA Biology

Email: j.aspden@leeds.ac.uk

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