Jobs and PhDs
Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of York
Department of Biology
Our laboratories provide a supportive and collaborative environment in which the PDRA can contribute fully, flourish and expand their range and learn new techniques. The Department of Biology is renowned internationally for its research, and the successful applicant will join a team of researchers in the York Biomedical Research Institute investigating cellular processes in parasites that cause African trypanosomiasis.
Role
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral researcher for 36 months to characterise the signalling pathways that regulate autophagy, lysosome exocytosis and biomolecular condensates during the lifecycle differentiations and host adaptation of the African trypanosome T. brucei. The position is funded by a MRC CDA to Dr. Mathieu Cayla who will manage the post.
The project will require the use of a wide range of different techniques such as high−throughput live imaging, gene silencing screens, mass spectrometry and murine infection, giving plenty of opportunity to develop transferable skills.
The position requires you to have a PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or Microbiology. For this multidisciplinary project, you will bring knowledge and expertise in standard molecular biology, -omics studies and imaging techniques. It would be highly desirable to have previous experience in one or more of the following: handling murine models and pathogens of class 2, in protein kinases and signalling, in -omics data analysis, super resolution microscopy and/or live imaging, and CRISPR/Cas9 mediated precision editing.
Key responsibilities
The post must cover the following responsibilities:
- Validate of high−throughput live imaging system combined with gene silencing screen of protein kinases
- Autophagy-related proximity labelling, phospho-proteomic and mass spectrometry analysis
- Assays of protein interaction and enzyme activity using biophysical and biochemical approaches
- Generation of mutated cell lines by CRISPR/Cas9 mediated precision editing and phenotypic validation in vitro and in murine model
- Biomolecular condensate purification and component analysis by mass spectrometry and sequencing
Skills, Experience & Qualification needed
- A PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or Microbiology
- Knowledge in molecular biology, parasitology, and a range of modern techniques, to engage in high quality research
- Skills and experiences in cell culture, handling of class 2 pathogens, murine infection, and gene editing is desirable
- Excellent track record of research publications and highly developed communication skills
- Attention to detail, collaborative ethos with interest in and enthusiasm for co-supervising students
- Positive attitude to colleagues and students and a willingness to work proactively
- Commitment to personal development and understanding of equality and diversity issues
Interview date: 28/10/2024 (TBC)
For informal enquiries: please contact Dr. Mathieu Cayla on mathieu.cayla@york.ac.uk
Postdoc, Smith College
The Department of Biological Sciences at Smith College invites applications for a benefits eligible postdoctoral position, focusing on genome evolution in microeukaryotes (aka protists), to begin on or after December 1, 2024. The bulk of the work will focus on bioinformatic analyses of data generated in the lab from diverse amoebae. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extending for additional years. The position will be housed in Professor Laura Katz's laboratory in the Department of Biological Sciences ; questions should be directed to lkatz@smith.edu.
The goals of this research include characterizing genome architecture in poorly-studied clades and reconstructing the evolutionary history of both genes and species (i.e. species delimitation). The ideal candidate will: 1) be a productive researcher with interests in both biodiversity and phylogenomics of microorganisms; 2) have experience identifying and isolating diverse protists; 3) have knowledge of bioinformatic and/or phylogenetic tools; 3) have excellent communication and interpersonal skills; and 4) be interested in collaborating with graduate and undergraduate students in the laboratory.
Research in the Katz lab aims to elucidate principles of the evolution in eukaryotes through analyses of microbial groups, and to assess how these principles apply (or fail to apply) to other organisms. Currently we focus on three interrelated areas: (1) characterizing evolutionary relationships among eukaryotes using single-cell ‘omics’ and phylogenomics; (2) exploring the evolution of germline vs somatic genomes; and (3) describing the phylogeography and biodiversity of protists in local environments (bogs, fens, coastal habitats).
Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is the largest women’s college in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst and students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.
Submit application through Smith’s employment website with a cover letter, curriculum vitae, sample publications and the contact information for three confidential references. Finalists may be asked for additional materials. Review of applications will begin on September 18, 2024.