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.

The postholder will join the research team led by Dr Guilherme Costa to take part on a Wellcome Trust funded project investigating RNA localisation in the context of endothelial cell biology (https://gcosta064.wixsite.com/costa-lab). Upon transcription, RNAs are distributed throughout the cell and their ultimate functional destination underpins a multitude of cellular processes. Our work has demonstrated that RNA localisation participates in endothelial cell behaviour during blood vessel formation (Costa et al., EMBO J 2020). 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 support to access diverse training and career development opportunities.

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

• Obtained or are about to obtain a PhD in Vascular Biology, Cell Biology, RNA 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, RNA-protein interactions and immunoprecipitation.
• 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, click on the 'Candidate Information' link below.

This is a fixed term post, available for 48 months. 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. 

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 8.4 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.

Candidate Information
Attractive reward package
Wellcome Wolfson institute for Experimental Medicine
Further information for international applicants