Job Title: Post-Doctoral Research Assistant
Grade of Post: 7
Staff Supervision: Expected to work as part of a small team alongside research support staff, Honours, MSc and PhD students.
Duration of employment: 2 years in the first instance
Role
Protein secretion is an essential process that delivers a diverse array of proteins to the extracellular milieu. The Miller lab studies the conserved cellular machinery that mediates biogenesis of secreted and membrane proteins, focusing on protein quality control in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This project will focus on early stages of secretory protein synthesis and how specific conditions can trigger a stress-response pathway known as ER-associated ribosome-associated quality control (ER-RQC). We aim to understand how cells maintain quality control during protein biogenesis by tuning translation to prevent ribosome collisions, how ribosome collisions are sensed and resolved, and how cells respond to this quality control event. Specifically, we will use genetic approaches in yeast to dissect the molecular mechanisms that govern ER-RQC, define the spectrum of protein clients that are subject to this pathway, and translate these findings to mammalian cells. The post will suit independent, ambitious researchers with expertise in both yeast genetics/biochemistry, ribosome biology and human cell models.
Principal Duties
The successful candidate will report to Prof. Miller and will:
- Undertake research aimed at dissecting the mechanisms of ER-RQC in yeast and human cells
- Work independently to identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives, including yeast genetics, biochemistry, and ribosome profiling.
- Interact with other labs and Divisions within the FLS to deliver on research outputs
- Present scientific work at seminars within the FLS and at external meetings
- Draft scientific papers and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication
- Assist in the training of students (Honours, M.Sc. and PhD) and others within the SLS.
Communication
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills, actively contributing to group meetings, journal clubs and informal lab meetings, as well as writing scientific manuscripts and literature reviews. Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to work independently are essential.
Liaison & Networking
The successful applicant(s) will be expected to interact well with other groups within the Division, sharing resources and equipment as required. Additional engagement will include interacting with a variety of University facilities, including proteomics, imaging, cryo-EM, and others. This is an essential part of the job, requiring excellent interpersonal skills.
Decision Making and Problem Solving
The successful applicant will demonstrate the ability to work independently and as part of a team; they will have initiative to develop new ideas and investigate new methods; they will conceive, design and execute appropriate experimental programs; they will be involved in strategic planning of the project including setting research objectives and working to deadlines.
Team Development
The successful applicant will be expected to train other staff members in experimental techniques and use of equipment; candidate(s) appointed at higher grade levels will be expected to design and oversee independent projects to be undertaken by Honours and MSc students.
Knowledge and Experience
- PhD in a relevant area; expertise in yeast genetics and ribosome biology is particularly valued
- Minimal requirement of a major contribution to at least one paper in a peer-reviewed journal
SLSC
- Experience with standard molecular biology techniques; additional experience with yeast genetics, biochemistry, ribosome profiling, mRNA analyses are advantages
- Quantitative analytical skills, including statistical analysis
- Experience with independently running a project that has demonstrated creativity and initiative
Commitment to DORA
The School of Life Sciences has been fully committed to the principals of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) since 2013. In assessing applicants, we consider the scientific quality of their published research papers, but do not take into account where the papers were published and do not consider journal-based metrics, such as Journal Impact Factors.
