Download advert - Babraham Institute

Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Ref. PVW-MV-LTC
Job Description
Organization
The Veldhoen group studies the how the immune system supports epithelial barrier function, especially of the intestinal epithelium.
Recent work from his lab illustrates the important roles of the Arylhyrdocarbon nuclear receptor in maintaining the physical and
immunological barriers that contribute to lifelong health (Li et al., Cell 2011). His group is composed of four postdocs, 2 PhD
students, a master student and a technician.
The Varga-Weisz group undertakes fundamental research into the biology and mechanisms of chromatin dynamics and epigenetic
inheritance (see, for example: Rowbotham et al., Mol Cell 2011; Mermoud et al., Cell Cycle 2011; Durand-Dubief et al., PLoS
Genetics, 2012). Recently, this group developed a major focus on the role of chromatin dynamics in regulating intestinal epithelium
homeostasis. The Varga-Weisz group is currently composed of one postdoctoral fellow, two PhD students and a master student.
We are seeking a highly motivated, independent minded, yet collaborative scientist. The successful candidate will undertake an
independent project, but integrate the work within the rest of our interactive research teams. The candidate will also support the
laboratory infra-structure together with other lab members, especially in maintaining mice strains and participate in the supervision of
PhD students and visiting students and fellows. The ultimate aim is to publish high profile, high quality studies.
Scientific Background
The gastrointestinal tract contains the largest surface of the body with specialised epithelial cells that separate mammalian hosts from
the environment. Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are made up of several distinct lineages derived from a multi-potent progenitor,
continually self-renewing, form an active part of the immune system and are adapted to selectively host bacteria. The luminal content
influences cell differentiation and gene regulation of IECs. Our labs investigate how the intestinal content affects the transcriptome
and epigenome of intestinal cells.
Aims and methods
We focus on the role and mechanisms of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcriptional regulator activated by diet- and
microbial-derived ligands. We will study how this receptor integrates signals from the environment to regulate gene networks in the
intestinal epithelium. We will investigate where it binds in the genome of intestinal epithelial cells and what genes are regulated by it.
We will examine how it interacts with chromatin modifying activities for gene regulation.
The project involves:
 Coordination of generation, management and analysis of transgenic animals
 Isolation, purification and characterization of cells (e.g., intestinal stem cells, enterocytes) from mouse tissue.
 Analysis of chromatin by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP, ChIP-seq) and immunostaining of cells
 RNA purification followed by transcriptome analysis (e.g., RNA-seq)
 Bioinformatic analysis of ChIP-seq, RNA-seq data
 Preparation of figure quality data for regular oral presentations, as well as manuscript preparations
 Help in preparation of grant proposals
 Interaction and collaboration with individuals from the Varga-Weisz, Veldhoen and other laboratories
 Assistance with the supervision of PhD students and other laboratory members
 Participation in regular lab meetings, as well as national and international meetings
 Help in the management of the PVW and MV laboratories, including storage of reagents, assistance in personnel matters
(e.g., interviews of potential future lab members such as Ph.D. candidates) and other laboratory aspects
 Management of an annual consumable budget, including signing powers for laboratory purchases
 Distribution of reagents to other laboratories
Environment
The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary project between two labs bridging the Lymphocyte Signalling and Nuclear
Dynamics Programmes of Babraham Institute. The Nuclear Dynamics Programme together with the adjoint Epigenetics Programme
forms one of the largest and most productive units for epigenetic research in Europe. The Programme is organised into 6 independent
research groups. Regular lab meetings, journal clubs and seminars are held and the postholder will be expected to participate in these
activities. The Babraham Institute comprises a significant community of research workers, many of whom are working on transgenic,
knock-out and conditional targeting projects. Therefore there is a good critical mass of people to provide support and advice in the
kind of project described.
In addition, the Institute houses excellent epigenomics, FACS, protein mass spectrometry and a
bioinformatics facility.
Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Ref. PVW-MV-LTC
Person Specification
Education/ qualifications/ knowledge
 PhD in biological sciences, Immunology, molecular genetics,
biochemistry or closely related field
 Knowledge of chromatin biology
 Knowledge of transcriptional regulation
 Knowledge of immune biology
 Knowledge of intestinal biology
Experience
 Experience in general molec. biology techniques
 Good laboratory practice
 Experience in designing experiments
 Experience in drafting papers
 Experience in drafting publication quality figures
 Experience in immune biology
 Experience in intestinal biology
 Experience in the analysis of chromatin
 Experience in the purification and analysis of chromatin
proteins
 Experience in the culture and analysis of cells
 Experience in Bioinformatics
 Experience in mouse genetics
Skills/ Abilities
 Able to comprehend and communicate in the English language
to a levels appropriate for the position
 Able to work independently and as a part of a team
 Good organization and record keeping skills
 Good oral and written communication skills,
including generation of figure quality data for presentation
and scientific papers
 Evidence of good troubleshooting skills
 Ability to guide Ph.D. students or new recruits
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Personal Characteristics
 Enthusiastic, ambitious and highly motivated
 Ability to interact well within a team
 Creative and imaginative
 Reliability and honesty
 Willing to communicate results on a regular (weekly) basis
 Willing to take on responsibility
 Willing to accept advice
 Productive
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Special Requirements
 Able to work in a non-smoking environment
Essential
The Babraham Institute
Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Ref: PVW-MV-LTC
INFORMATION ON TERMS & BENEFITS
The following is for information only and is not contractual statement of terms and conditions.
Pay Grade
Band 6
Starting salary
£29,557 per annum
Working Hours
37 hours per week
Holiday Entitlement
25 days p.a.
Public Holidays & Privilege Days
10½ days
Length of Contract
Funding available for up to 1 year with the starting date no later than July
2015.
Pension Scheme
Babraham Institute is able to offer membership of a Group Personal Pension
Scheme. You will be auto enrolled into the pension scheme from
commencement of employment. Further details will be provided on your first
day. The Institute does not make contributions to other personal pension
schemes.
Restaurant Facilities
The Refectory serves hot meals and snacks and the Forum provides a selection
of snacks and hot and cold beverages for coffee and tea breaks.
Onsite Accommodation
The Institute has a number of hostels, flats and houses which can be rented.
(There is currently a waiting list for all types of accommodation.)
Social
Sports & Social Club
Nursery
Nursery and Holidays Playscheme on site. (Availability of places is dependent
on demand.)
Car Parking
There is free car parking in the Institute Car Park. The Institute is committed to
the implementation of a commuting strategy to try and reduce the growth in
numbers of cars used to travel to work
Any offer of employment will be subject to security screening and may be subject to health screening.
Any offer may also be subject to a general medical.