Job Opportunities

Research Associate - The University of Manchester, UK

Research Associate (REF: LS/10019)

£28,983 - £35,646 per annum

We are seeking an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to join a team led by Professor Alan North and Dr. Chris Thompson. This joint project funded by the Medical Research Council will use a multidisciplinary approach to study the role and regulation of P2X receptors, and is based on our recent discovery of an intracellular role for P2X receptors (Fountain et al, Nature 448, 200-3, 2007). Techniques will include structure-function work on P2X receptors using heterologous expression, biochemical studies and real time imaging of P2X receptor localisation.

You should currently hold or be about to obtain a PhD in a relevant field or equivalent. Experience in either whole-cell patch-clamping or live cell imaging or protein purification is required. The post funded by the MRC and is available for one year in the first instance, with the possibility of extension for a further 2 years. Informal enquiries may be addressed to: Dr Chris Thompson. Tel: 0161 275 1588 or email: christopher.thompson@manchester.ac.uk

Application forms and further particulars can be obtained at http://www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/jobs or from
The Directorate of Human Resources
Tel: +44 (0) 161 275 8836
Email: Lifesciences-hr@manchester.ac.uk

(posted April 15, 2010)

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Post-Doctoral position in Dundee, Scotland

Post-doctoral Research Assistant - Molecular Genetics, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a 3-year project aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms of encystation and sporulation in social amoebas and pathogenic protists.

The salary range will be £28893 - £35646 per annum depending on skills and experience.

You will be a member of a dedicated team of cell-, molecular- and evolutionary developmental biologists in one of the world's top research institutes. The Schaap team recently found that the crucial roles of cAMP in spore differentiation and germination are evolutionary derived from similar roles in encystation of solitary amoebas. Encystation of pathogenic amoebas is a process of considerable medical importance due to the resilience of cysts to antibiotics and biocides. However, little was thus far known of the signalling pathways that mediate encystation.Assisted by a technician, you will use tagged mutagenesis to identify genes that control encystation in the encysting Dictyostelid Polysphondylium pallidum, for which complete genome sequence is now available. You will follow this up by elucidation of gene function in both encystation and sporulation, using a broad range of cell-biological and molecular genetic approaches.

Applicants must have a PhD in the broader field of molecular- and cellular biology. They must have extensive skillls and knowledge in molecular biology and genetics and experience with general cell-biological techniques. Experience with the culture and genetic manipulation of social amoebas is an advantage.

For further information contactPauline Schaap or visit our website.

How to apply:
Applications in the form of a CV and covering letter, including the names and addresses of 3 referees and a list of publications, should be sent to the HR Departement quoting LS/3125.

Closing date: 1 May 2010

The University of Dundee is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

(posted April 6, 2010)

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Two Post-Doctoral positions in Dundee, Scotland

Post-doctoral positions in gene regulation - Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee.

The projects will be carried out in the laboratory of Dr Jonathan Chubb, and will be for 3 years in the first instance. The laboratory uses an innovative new imaging technology to observe the transcriptional pulses of single genes in live cells. Our broad goals are to understand the nature of transcriptional pulsing, how it is integrated into robust cellular and developmental decisions and how it is regulated by chromatin and signalling. We use a variety of mammalian cell types, in Drosophila and Dictyostelium.

The projects provide an excellent opportunity to start out and develop a career niche in gene regulation as they offer novel, long-term perspective, cutting-edge technology. We are embedded in a world-class working environment offering remarkable opportunities for stimulating scientific exchange and professional development.

We are looking for motivated candidates holding a PhD in genetics, biochemistry or a related field. Interested candidates with PhDs in the physical sciences will also be considered.

Please apply by sending your application including your CV, a brief statement of interest and the names and contact details of three referees to J. Chubb.
Salary range: £28,839- 35,469.

(posted April 2, 2010)

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Two Post-Doctoral positions in Geneva, Switzerland

The the Sinergia collaborative network - Faculty of Science/Dept. of Medicine & Faculty of Medicen/ Dept. of Cellular Physiology and Metabolism

Identification and Characterization of Novel Antibacterial Compounds Using Protozoan Hosts

Bacterial infections are a major health problem worldwide, and the identification of novel antibacterial drugs is a pressing issue. Over the last decade our two laboratories have shown the power of using Dictyostelium amoebae as a model host to study complex interactions with bacterial pathogens relevant to human health, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium marinum. Our studies also advance the cause of 3R research aiming at reducing the need for animal experiments. These experimentally simple and robust systems will be used to screen targeted libraries of small compounds to identify hits inhibiting bacterial virulence. We also expect to identify compounds that modulate host cell defence mechanisms. Validation of the hits will be performed in a macrophage system.

Overall this project will increase our understanding of the complex interactions between phagocytic cells and pathogenic bacteria. At the same time it will allow this knowledge to be translated into new therapeutic strategies that may ultimately be relevant to human health.

Tentative starting date: September 1st, 2010. Please send a complete CV and research interests, with a letter of motivation and the contact details of two referees to T. Soldati and P. Cosson.

Recent relevant articles:

• Hagedorn, M, et al, and Soldati, T. (2009) Science 323, 1729-1733
• Froquet R, Lelong E, Marchetti A, Cosson P. (2009) Nat Protoc. 4:25-30
• Cosson, P, and Soldati, T. (2008) Current Opinion Microbiol. 11, 271-276
• Alibaud L, et al, and Cosson P. (2008) Cell Microbiol. 10:729-40
• Hagedorn, M., and Soldati, T. (2007) Cell Microbiol. 9, 2716-33
• Benghezal, M., et al, and Cosson, P. (2007) Cellular Microbiol. 9, 1336-42.

(posted April 1, 2010)