Job Purpose
This ambitious project is funded for 5 years by an MRC Programme Grant and is focussed on investigating how regulation of the mRNA translation machinery influences initiation of hepatocellular carcinoma. We are looking to recruit a structural or cellular biologist to lead the ultrastructural arm of the project using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) combined with cryogenic correlated light and electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM) and cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling. This programme will involve state-of-the-art imaging approaches to visualise molecular details of the intricate relationships between the mRNA translation and membrane trafficking machineries. The successful candidate will be trained in how to apply cryo-ET coupled with fluorescence to map key functional proteins and contribute to the study of how regulation of the mRNA translation machinery influences initiation of hepatocellular carcinoma. The ideal candidate will have experience in molecular biology, cryo-EM sample preparation techniques, processing skills of EM images, and self-motivated in designing and executing cryo-ET experiments. The CVR has access to instrumentation in the Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging (SCMI), such as the JEOL CRYO ARM 300 electron microscope, Leica EM GP2, a cryo-FIB instrument with a Quorum transfer stage, and the Leica THUNDER Imager EM cryo-CLEM microscope. This technology will allow the candidate to develop their skills to target events that happen deep in the cell so we can see more of the molecular mechanisms through which mRNA translation rates alter Golgi-transport, endocytosis and endocytic sorting in hepatocytes. Main Duties and Responsibilities Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal Investigators (PIs), Dr Stephen Carter (CVR), Prof. Jim Norman and Martin Bushell at the Cancer Research UK-Scotland Institute in Glasgow1. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group/meetings/seminars/workshops with our Cancer Research UK-Scotland Institute partners, with the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) and wider community.2. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and the research strategy of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) and the Cancer Research UK-Scotland Institute.3. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.4. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of the CVR, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.5. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.6. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.7. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.8. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.9. Carry out modest teaching activities [e.g. demonstrating etc.] and associated administration as assigned by the CVR Director and in consultation with the Principal Investigators.10. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.11. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.12. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Director of the CVR and/or Principal Investigators13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may reasonably be expected to perform.