Postdoctoral position in Developmental Neurobiology and Neuronal Regeneration at the University of Edinburgh

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoc candidate to lead an innovative research project that integrates kinetochore biology with neuroscience. This project builds on the pioneering discoveries made by the Cheerambathur Lab on the novel roles of kinetochore proteins in brain development and explores how the chromosome segregation machinery is reutilized in post-mitotic neurons to construct and repair neural circuits.

Our research shows that kinetochore proteins, traditionally known to for segregating chromosomes during cell division, serves as critical cytoplasmic regulators of neuronal cytoskeleton — impacting dendrite patterning, axonal guidance and synaptogenesis, and neuronal regeneration (Cheerambathur et al., Ouzounidis et al., Domingos et al.). By leveraging the well-established neuronal model, C. elegans as a primary discovery tool and translating key findings to complex vertebrate neural circuits, we aim to uncover the previously unknown functions of kinetochores in these major neuronal processes.

We are currently pursuing how kinetochores

• interact with actin regulatory pathways to promote dendrite patterning.
• activate cell cycle machinery to promote axon termination.
• associate with presynaptic proteins to promote synaptogenesis.
• contribute to dendrite and axon regeneration.

Importantly, this position offers a unique opportunity to develop an independent research program in a very novel area of biology, allowing you to carve your niche in the field.

We specialize in integrating multi-disciplinary approaches, combining genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry and welcome applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. We are based at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, which provides a stimulating, and inclusive academic environment equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, alongside opportunities for professional development.

The start date is flexible and is a 4-year Wellcome Trust grant funded position. Requests for informal enquiries should be sent to Dr. Dhanya Cheerambathur (dhanya.cheerambathur@ed.ac.uk). Please include a clear and concise statement outlining your motivation for joining our lab and how you envision contributing to our research team.

Your skills and attributes for success: 

• Strong motivation to contribute to a novel area of cell biology and neurobiology.
• Strong organisational, communication and critical thinking skills.
• Command of standard techniques in molecular biology and cell culture (mammalian cells) and/model organisms.
• Expertise & training in one or more of the following: cell biology, live-cell and quantitative fluorescence microscopy, quantitative image analysis, electron microscopy, biochemical methods, genome engineering, mass spectrometry and data handling.
• A publication record is strongly desirable.