3 Post-Doctoral Research Associates: Chemical Biology and Function of Nucleic Acids, UK

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August 30, 2010

Postdoctoral Research Associates, Chemical Biology and Function of Nucleic Acids,, University of Cambridge, UK

Job Description: Applications are invited from post-doctoral candidates to join an interdisciplinary research programme to investigate the function of four-stranded DNA structures called G-quadruplexes in DNA and RNA. We are investigating the hypothesis that such structures may act as functional structures in cells particularly in telomeres, and also as regulatory elements in gene transcription and in mRNA translation. The work involves the design and synthesis of small organic molecules that interact with G-quadruplex nucleic acids, and the application of such probe molecules in chemical biological studies to probe biological function and molecular targets in cells. It is expected that such studies will also explore the potential to exploit such targets and mechanisms for therapeutics in the longer term.

The project is part of a large programme of research by Professor Shankar Balasubramanian on the study of non-coding DNA and RNA sequences as functional elements and therapeutic targets (see http://www-shankar.ch.cam.ac.uk/). The group has a second laboratory at Cancer Research UK’s Cambridge Research Institute where advanced biological and translational medicine aspects of the research are carried out in collaboration with Chemistry Department, as part of an integrated overall programme.

Applicants should have (or be about to receive) a PhD with a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry and molecular design. The ability to design and build small molecule probes to investigate biomolecular targets and mechanisms in cells would be desirable. Experience in biophysics, NMR, or chemical biology would also be desirable.

We are seeking highly motivated applicants with an outstanding research track record. Ideally the candidates should be well organized with excellent communication skills, and be effective at working collaboratively in an interdisciplinary group.

The posts are available immediately. Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Professor Shankar Balasubramanian, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: herchel-smith-medchem-pa@ch.cam.ac.uk).

* Funds for two posts are available until 30 September 2015 in the first instance; funds for the third post are available until 31 January 2012 in the first instance. Appointees will be encouraged to secure their own funding within this period.

Closing date: 17 September 2010.

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Scholarship Tags: Associates, Biology, Chemical, International, Postdoctoral, Programs, research, UK