Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in V(D)J recombination research? Do you want to further your career in one of the UKs leading research intensive Universities?

V(D)J recombination is vital to generate a diverse antibody repertoire. We recently showed that the by-products of V(D)J recombination associate with the recombinase enzymes to trigger double strand breaks throughout lymphocyte genomes. Notably, these breaks colocalise with those found in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. This project will analyse limited amounts of clinical samples to determine if the levels of the recombination by-product influence the prognosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. It will also use specialised biophysical techniques to examine the interactions between the recombinase enzymes and the recombination by-product. These latter studies aim to determine which contacts need to be disrupted to prevent formation of the recombinase/by-product complex. In the longer term, it is hoped these studies will contribute to developing ways of blocking the dangers posed by the recombinase/by-product complex. To increase the chances of success of this short-term project, candidates with intricate knowledge of V(D)J recombination and of examining recombination products will be preferred.

You should have a PhD (or close to completion) in molecular biology or molecular immunology or a closely allied discipline. Experience of investigating V(D)J recombination and the ability to reproducibly produce high quality data using highly intricate molecular biology techniques, is essential.

The University of Leeds and the Faculty of Biological Sciences are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN (the national body that promotes gender equality in higher education), and the Faculty of Biological Sciences was recently awarded a Silver award (2020).  We are proud to be an inclusive Faculty that values all staff, and are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. Our Athena SWAN webpage provides more information.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr Joan Boyes, Associate Professor, 

Email: j.m.boyes@leeds.ac.uk 

Location: Leeds - Main Campus
Faculty/Service: Faculty of Biological Sciences
School/Institute: School of Molecular & Cellular Biology
Category: Research
Grade: Grade 7
Salary: £33,797 to £40,322 p.a. Due to funding limitations it is unlikely an appointment will be made above £33,797
Working Time: 37.5 hour per week
Post Type: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed Term (Eight months)
Closing Date: Tuesday 18 August 2020
Reference: FBSMB1174
Downloads: Candidate Brief