Faculty of Science
School of Biological Sciences
Research Fellow
Employment type: Fixed-term contract for 18 months
Employment basis: Part-time (0.50 fte)
Salary: £17,260 - £18,853 (£34,520 - £37,706 x 0.50 FTE) per annum
Post number: ZZ003736
Date published: 13 October 2017
Closing date: 05 November 2017
Interview date: 23 November 2017
Investigating the role of mitochondrial mutations in brain tumours
We are seeking to recruit a talented postdoctoral scientist with experience in molecular and cellular biology to join our cross-Institute of Biological and Biomedical Sciences project, which combines the research areas of Structural Biology and Brain Tumour Mitochondria and Metabolism.
This post is available for 18 months to work within the Molecular Biophysics group and the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence on an ongoing project that investigates the role of mitochondrial mutations in brain tumours, in particular the most common and malignant primary brain tumour in adults, glioblastoma. The project combines mutation discovery from patient tumour samples using next generation sequencing technologies and associated bioinformatics, with functional candidate identification using in silico 3D protein structural mapping and analysis, followed by validation using a suite of in vitro functional assays using patient tumour-derived cell cultures. This integrated approach is yielding novel insights into the role mitochondrial mutations in glioblastoma cell behaviours, including drug sensitivity.
The Fellow will be a member of both the Structural Biology Group within the School of Biological Sciences and the Brain Tumour Mitochondria and Metabolism Group within the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, both at the University of Portsmouth. The in silico (bioinformatic and 3D structural analysis) will be conducted in the state-of-the-art Molecular Biophysics Laboratories, while the mitochondrial genome preparation for next generation sequencing, cell culture and related in vitro functional assays will be conducted in the recently refurbished Brain Tumour Research Centre, both research areas within the Institute of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (IBBS).
As a collective, the Fellow will have access to a range of in-house facilities including computing infrastructure and the bioinformatics group required for the next generation sequencing and 3D structural analysis, as well as dedicated laboratories, with multiple pieces of equipment and established assays for: histology, cell culture, cellular and molecular biology, imaging, in addition to a brand new metabolic suite.
Candidates should have a PhD or equivalent professional experience in a related field of molecular and/or cellular biology. Experience in protein structural biology, nucleotide extraction, PCR, cell culture and in vitro functional assays or related techniques is essential. The collection, collation, analysis and interpretation of descriptive and quantitative data should be demonstrated with publications in a refereed journals. Additional postdoctoral research knowledge, particularly of mitochondrial genetics and biology, next generation sequencing and neuro-oncology, would be a significant advantage.
The Fellow should be able to manage the day-to-day running of a research project including assisting the work of junior researchers. Good communication skills will be key to the successful working between both groups and associated team members. The Fellow will be expected to acquire new data to complete publications, to analyse existing data and to participate in the drafting of manuscripts.
Informal enquiries are actively encouraged and can be made to Professor John McGeehan (Director of IBBS) 02392 842042, John.McGeehan@port.ac.uk
For detailed information about the vacancy, please select this link: ZZ003736 - Research Fellow.docx