Understanding Spinal Cord Regeneration: the role of dynamic gene expression

Dr. Ximena Soto (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2680-1837) is looking for a Postdoc enthusiastic and keen on using Zebrafish to elucidate the signals and mechanisms leading the successful regeneration!.

The Soto lab focuses in the functional importance of dynamic gene expression underlying spinal cord regeneration (SCR) and the mechanism by which microRNAs regulate it using Zebrafish as research organism.

The position will join an MRC Career Development funded Fellowship titled “Understanding Spinal Cord Regeneration: the role of dynamic gene expression” using cutting edge experimental  and computational biology techniques.

Project: Progenitors react to spinal cord injury by reactivating similar signalling pathways and transcription factors (TFs) in both regenerative and non-regenerative species. However, it is likely that differences in the activity and dynamic expression of TFs can lead to different cell-fate decisions such as forming a scar or generating new neurons, in non-regenerative and regenerative species, respectively.

To understand how regenerative species reactivate neural stem cells to initiate proliferation and generate new neurons we aim to address the functional importance of dynamic gene expression underlying spinal cord regeneration and the mechanism by which microRNAs regulate it using zebrafish as an animal with regenerative capacity. The project will:

• Investigate the function of oscillatory expression dynamics of Her genes in progenitor cells during spinal cord regeneration
• Investigate how microRNAs modulate Her oscillatory protein expression as progenitors change cell fate during spinal cord regeneration

You will interact closely with the principal investigator and will be expected to contribute intellectually and take ownership of the project. In addition, although you will be based in Manchester, short visits to collaborators may be required for project development. Finally, you will also be expected to attend appropriate training and workshops in order to strengthen and expand your skill sets.

Candidates: We value inner drive, creativity, smart and open minds, and team players. We are looking for a motivated scientist holding a PhD degree in developmental biology, molecular biology or a related area of research, and a BSc (hons) in a relevant biological sciences discipline. Applicants are expected to have extensive and up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge in at least one of the following: developmental biology; molecular biology; regeneration. Have excellent technical skills and extensive experience in several of the following techniques: zebrafish transgenesis, CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis in zebrafish, zebrafish larvae live imaging, fluorescent in situ hybridisation techniques, use of image analysis software, fluorescence microscopy.

Environment

The position will be based at Molecular and Cellular Function Division-SBS-FBMH (https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/organisations/division-of-molecular-cellular-function) from University of Manchester. The FBMH has many world-leaders researchers and it benefit from the harmonious atmosphere, seminar series and annual conferences. This creates a supportive and collaborative environment to conduct the research and develop expertise in the areas of molecular biology, cellular function and regeneration. In addition to high quality research colleagues, the faculty has a full complement of well-equipped cutting-edge core facilities. Particularly important for the success of this research is the extensive bioimaging facility, including several high-end confocal (Zeiss LSM 880 and Leica Sp8), the Genomic Technologies Facility which has a focus on single-cell technologies and the Genomic editing facility which has a vast experience in Transgenic Technologies.

Application:This is a full-time fixed term appointment starting 01 September 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter, and is funded for 36 months (extendable for 24 more months).

Please follow the instructions in link below to apply for the job

https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetail?JobId=26461