Job description

The School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences (MDBS) at Queen’s University Belfast, is currently seeking to appoint an exceptional candidate to the post of Research Fellow to join the research team lead by Dr Guilherme Costa to work on a Wellcome Trust funded project investigating mechanisms of RNA localisation in endothelial cells.

Subcellular RNA distribution is a critical mechanism in the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression and it underpins a multitude of cellular processes. We have demonstrated that RNA localisation participates in endothelial cell behaviour during angiogenesis (Costa et al. Embo J 2020 doi:10.15252/embj.2020106003). Based on these concepts, we are seeking a highly ambitious and motivated individual to explore mechanistic links between subcellular RNA distribution and cell adhesion in the context of vascular biology. By combining state-of-the-art proteomics, transcriptomics and imaging tools with in vivo and in vitro models of blood vessel formation and maintenance, we aim to bring new insights into the importance of RNA localisation in tissue physiology and disease.

The successful candidate will be a fundamental pillar to the project. They will take the lead planning and performing experiments, as well as strengthening established collaborations. Thus, the post is suited to applicants with a meticulous work ethic and a team-player approach. Applicants must demonstrate such skills within their CV and interview. The post is available for 4 years, through which the successful candidate will be offered the support to access diverse training and career development opportunities.

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate you have:

• Have or about to obtain PhD in RNA biology, Vascular biology, Cell biology, or closely related area.
• At least 3 years recent, hands-on experience in a wide range of laboratory skills relevant for this project, such as cell culture, RNA manipulation and immunoprecipitation.
• Previous experience in RNA localisation (including high throughput proteomic and transcriptomic assays) OR Cytoskeletal proteins and cell adhesion mechanisms (including advanced microscopy techniques).
• Authorship in at least one manuscript published in an internationally recognised peer reviewed journal. This should be commensurate with stage of career and experience.

Please note the above are not an exhaustive list.  For further information about the role including the essential and desirable criteria, please click on the Candidate Information link below.

At Queen’s our people are at the heart of everything we do. As a staff member you will become part of a vibrant organisational culture, which will provide you with the opportunity to achieve your full potential and enhance your career through a continuous focus on learning and development.

We offer an excellent employment package that includes:

• Great terms & conditions
• Pension schemes
• Family-friendly initiatives
• Career development opportunities
• Support for health & mental wellbeing
• Generous holiday entitlement of 8 weeks a year (made up of 23 days annual leave, 10 closure days and 9 bank holidays)

Queen’s University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We have created an inclusive culture by establishing staff networks such as iRise (Race) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.

We also subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI in addition to Athena Swan. For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit: www.qub.ac.uk/diversity; www.qub.ac.uk/qgi and www.qub.ac.uk/sites/StaffGateway/StaffNetworks/.

Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr David Courtney at david.courtney@qub.ac.uk

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