We have a three year ERC-funded postdoctoral position available in Pleasantine Mill’s lab at the MRC Human Genetics Unit at the University of Edinburgh.

We are looking for a talented, curious and collaborative colleague who is excited about using cutting-edge technologies to join our team to understand spatial and temporal control of RNA and ciliogenesis. Their project will investigate molecular mechanisms regulating subcellular compartmentalization of RNAs and translation during multiciliogenesis and will reveal how these processes are dysregulated in diseases like the ciliopathies.

The Mill lab fosters a highly interdisciplinary approach centred on classical cell and developmental biology with modern genomics, spatial OMICs and advanced imaging. We specialize in the development of powerful resources that allow us to study cell biology in real time and space in relation to cilia dynamics (see: PMID: 30458140, PMID: 34085231, PMID: 34734804, PMID: 36790165), as well as human disease models for the ciliopathies (see: PMID: 29916806, PMID: 36712068, https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.10.19.22280748) which provide insight into key molecular players and processes they control. This project will look to leverage a variety of different tools and techniques to allow tracking of individual RNAs and their dynamic interactions within their changing native cellular context, with unprecedented depth and resolution.

While a well-defined transcriptional code for induction of cilia motility genes exists, the translational dynamics and subsequent feedback circuitry coordinating ciliogenesis remain unexplored. This project is part of a team effort to understand the ‘molecular principles’ that drive the assembly and disassembly of RNA-mediated compartments during ciliogenesis. Our lab thrives on curiosity, creativity and collaborations. Our collaborations- within the HGU, University of Edinburgh and internationally- enable us to drive ground-breaking work spanning multiple fields and disciplines, far beyond our core expertise, which is also why we strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

How are we looking for- candidates with:

• A PhD or equivalent degree (MD/PHD etc) in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biochemistry or related fields.

• Strong communication skills.

• Expertise in genomics, bioinformatics (especially proteomics, RNAseq analysis), RNA biology, and/or cell biology is preferred, but similar research experience will be considered.

• Experience in advanced imaging and image analysis is preferred.

For more information, see https://elxw.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/7214

For informal inquiries, please email Pleasantine directly.