Postdoc position in epigenome metabolism at MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit (University of Cambridge)

The University of Cambridge wishes to appoint a postdoctoral scientist to join the research group of Dr Jelle van den Ameele at the Department of Clinical Neurosciences and the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit: https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/38313/.

The position is part of a collaborative UKRI BBSRC research grant, to understand how epigenetic modification and nuclear metabolism interact to maintain neuronal identity during development and aging. You will work in close collaboration with the lab of Dr Tony Southall at Imperial College, London.

The focus of your work will be on characterising how nuclear localised metabolic enzymes contribute to heterochromatin formation during neurogenesis.  You will use innovative DamID-based cell type-specific chromatin profiling techniques that were developed in our labs. These will be applied in vivo, in Drosophila and mice, using advanced genetics and in utero surgery, and combined with genetic perturbations and single-cell transcriptome profiling (scRNA-seq). For in vivo metabolite measurements, you will rely on confocal and super-resolution imaging of genetically encoded biosensors in live and fixed samples.

You will drive the project within the laboratory, together with the group leader and in close interaction with a Postdoc in the Southall lab. As a member of our research groups, you will participate in group meetings and internal seminars. You will assist in supervision of junior lab members. You will be encouraged to apply for external funding and receive support to undertake further training and career development.

Candidates are expected to be independent, highly motivated, and keen to work collaboratively with internal and external scientists. You will join a young and dynamic group, and demonstrate core values of the lab, which include enthusiasm, openness and integrity. A PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics or a related field is required. You will have a publication track record, with a good, peer-reviewed first author paper, either published or in press. Ideal qualifications include experience with Drosophila and/or mouse genetics, transcriptional regulation and cellular metabolism, but others are welcome to apply.

Appointment will be full-time, for three years in the first instance. The position offers a competitive salary and enjoys the diverse and highly interactive research environment of the world-renowned Mitochondrial Biology Unit and Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

The lab and the wider University of Cambridge are committed, in their pursuit of academic and research excellence, to a pro-active and inclusive approach to equality, which supports and encourages all under-represented groups, promotes an inclusive culture, and values diversity. Flexible working and working from home arrangements are available. The University particularly encourages women and candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds to apply.

Applicants should include a CV and cover letter with their application in a single pdf, along with contact information for three professional referees who can be contacted prior to interview. Applications will be reviewed immediately until the position is filled.

Lab website: https://www.mrc-mbu.cam.ac.uk/research-groups/van-den-ameele-group

Southall lab website: https://www.southall-lab.info

Key references: Gaspard et al., Nature, 2008; Tiberi et al., Nat Neurosci, 2012; Southall et al., Dev Cell, 2013 and 2014; van den Ameele et al., eLife, 2019; van den Ameele et al., Nat Commun, 2022.