Research Associate

Vacancy terms: Full-time, fixed term until 31st August 2027

Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

We are looking for a skilled postdoctoral researcher to join an established and successful research team in Molecular and Cell Biology. You will investigate the structure and function of large multi-protein histone deacetylase complexes, focusing on the role of the NuRD complex in regulating gene expression in mammalian cells. 

You will use CRISPR gene editing to introduce degradation tags into endogenous genes and knock out homologous proteins, alongside RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, CUT&RUN sequencing and proteomics approaches. Working with colleagues and external collaborators, you will take responsibility for elements of experimental design, data collection, analysis and interpretation; contribute to publications, grant development and knowledge exchange; present findings to national and international audiences; and provide guidance, mentoring and coaching to research staff and students. 

About you

You will have a PhD, or equivalent professional qualification and experience, in an appropriate discipline, together with substantial relevant research expertise and evidence of contributing to peer-reviewed publications or equivalent research outputs. You will bring experience of mammalian cell culture, CRISPR construct design and cell-line generation, as well as preparing samples for sequencing and mass spectrometry. You will also be skilled in analysing multi-omic datasets, including RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq and mass spectrometry data, and in using R for data analysis. Detailed knowledge of histone deacetylase complexes and their mechanisms and biological roles in mammalian cells is essential. 

You will be an analytical and collaborative researcher who can work effectively both independently and as part of a team, communicate complex information clearly, manage changing priorities and build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Prof. John Schwabe on john.schwabe@leicester.ac.uk

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here 

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.