Durham University
School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Postdoctoral Research Associate

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in the laboratory of Dr Heather Knight on a Leverhulme Trust funded project entitled "Control of specificity in gene expression”. The project will use the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to investigate the role of the Mediator transcriptional co-activator complex to effect discrimination in the control of gene expression in response to plant stress signals. Prospective candidates will have a higher degree in the field of protein purification and interaction studies and ideally, will have completed at least one postdoctoral position working in a related area. Candidates must have expertise in standard molecular biology techniques. This position is a fixed term contract of 2 years and 6 months and will be based in the School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences on Durham University’s Science campus (http://www.dur.ac.uk/biosciences/).

Requirements
The project aims to understand how subunits of the Mediator complex act together or individually to direct the expression of specific genes in a manner that responds appropriately to the stimulus encountered. The RA will examine the effect of mutations in a Mediator subunit on its ability to effect specific gene expression patterns. The RA will also purify the Mediator complex and examine the association of other proteins with the complex under different stimulus conditions. A background in the study of transcriptional regulation and in plant transformation is desirable. Evidence of technical competence in purifying large intact protein complexes will be required. The successful candidate must have good communication skills and a publication record in protein purification.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Heather Knight (p.h.knight@durham.ac.uk) for further information about the project.

You can apply for this post online

The closing date for applications is the 30th of April 2013