Job Advertisement Title: Research Associate in Genomics

Division/Department/Faculty: Molecular Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine

Salary: £41,593 – 45,234 per annum

Location: Hammersmith Campus

Contract: full time for 3 years (with possibility for extension)

 

Job Summary

This post, funded by a highly competitive CRUK Discovery Programme Award, aims to uncover mechanisms that guarantee efficient human DNA replication employing genomic approaches. The project’s primary objective is to discover 1.) how DNA replication origins are specified through epigenetic mechanisms and specific recruitment factors and 2.) how DNA replication is regulated to allow faithful DNA replication. You will address how mutations in these processes contribute to genome instability and whether mutations that disrupt these mechanisms are enriched in cancer.

Duties and responsibilities

In the laboratory, you will plan and conduct cutting edge DNA replication research. In particular you will be in charge of high-resolution genomics (ChIP, ChIP-seq, ChIP-EXO/Cut&Run, synchronisation of human cells, bioinformatics analysis, RNAi, CRISPR) to address our overall biological questions. An interest in proteomics would be beneficial. You will have the freedom to steer the research direction, collaborate with team members, supervise students and benefit from dedicated 1:1 and frequent ad-hoc meetings with the group head. Lab meetings, smaller subgroup meetings and related seminars (Biochemistry Club, Work-In-Progress Meetings, Institute-Wide Seminar Series and Happy Hours) provide a great frame work for knowledge exchange and project development. These innovative mechanistic studies will be carried out in a world-leading academic setting, in close collaboration with group members and external collaboration partners.

 

The current group consists of 12 researchers, including 5 postdocs, 5 PhD students, one lab manager and one technician. The successful candidate will enjoy intensive interactions with group members specialised in biochemistry and cryo-EM approaches generating a collaborative and highly productive atmosphere. We are excellent equipped for genomics (direct access to DNA sequencing facility and bioinformatics team) and proteomics (direct access to excellent local proteomics facilities).

By joining the group, the candidate will not only participate in high profile research projects but will also be directly mentored by Professor Speck in grant writing, networking and publishing. Indeed, the scientific framework and the support by Prof. Speck means that the candidates are well placed for a successful transition into independence.

Essential and requirements

• The candidate should have a PhD in genetics, biochemistry or neighbouring disciplines
• A strong publication record (published or submitted)
• Extensive practical expertise in a broad range of techniques including ChIP, ChIP-seq (ideally ChIP-EXO/Cut&Tag) and library preparation
• Expertise in bioinformatic analysis
• Expertise in siRNA mediated knockdown and CRISPR to generate tagged protein cell lines
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and working independently
• Background in the areas of nucleic acid-protein interactions, cell-cycle, chromatin biology, transcription, kinase regulation, molecular machines, or the broader area of genome stability.

 Further Information

The position is fixed-term full time posts for 3 years with the possibility for extension. You will be based at the Hammersmith Campus in a brand-new building, providing an exceptional work environment and in proximity of the Imperial College Faculty of Medicine and the Chemistry Department. The start date is flexible and you should join anytime within the next 9 months.

Should you require any further details on the role please contact: Christian Speck – .

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