Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed term) (MED reference: MED360824

Applications are invited for a Research Associate/Fellow to work on a Wellcome Trust funded project, using multiple molecular genetics techniques including high throughput CRISPRi screens, lung cell and tissue models and spatial transcriptomics in the laboratory of Professors Ian Sayers and Ian Hall (Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, UK).  

In this highly collaborative project involving the Universities of Nottingham, Leicester and Cambridge we aim to accelerate the discovery of genetic risk factors for lung function impairment, and define the mechanisms and biological pathways underpinning the observed associations. In Nottingham, we will use human primary airway cells combined with CRISPRi to identify functional causal genetic variants, genes and pathways. These mechanisms will be explored further using more complex cell and tissue models combined with spatial transcriptomics of the lung to provide novel understanding. This programme of research will improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of respiratory disease through mechanistic discoveries that identify new drug targets and biomarkers, and that highlight drug re-purposing opportunities. This position will be especially suited to candidates with interest in functional genomics, bioinformatics, lung cell biology and respiratory medicine. The successful candidate will also work in close collaboration with researchers in Leicester and Cambridge and additional collaborators. This post offers a unique opportunity to work in fast developing field of molecular genetics and to develop skills in state-of-the-art technologies.

Applicants must be highly motivated and self-driven, with a PhD (or near to completion) in genomics, molecular and cell biology or related area of biological science (desirably, respiratory genetics). The successful candidate will have considerable experience in some of the following areas: handling and analysing large genomic datasets, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and other molecular biology approaches.  A track record of publishing research and experience of primary human airway cell culture is also desirable. 

This role is available from 1st January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter and will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 24 months. Hours of work are full-time (36.25 hours) ; however applications are also welcome from candidates wishing to work part-time (minimum 29 hours per week). Please specify in your application if you wish to work part time and the number of preferred hours. Job share arrangements may be considered.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

For more information on our lab activities please visit: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/medicine/people/ian.sayers.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Ian Sayers ([email protected]). Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 22 Oct 2024 Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)