Postdoctoral Research Scientist (Rna Biology & Immunology)

The Babraham Institute is a charity which is world renowned for its research in life sciences to enhance lives and improve wellbeing.  We are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Scientist with a background in RNA biology and interest in Immunology to join the laboratory of Dr. Claudia Ribeiro de Almeida at the Babraham Institute.  The overarching research goal of the Ribeiro de Almeida lab is to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning antibody gene diversification during B-lymphocyte development. We have a specific interest in studying the role of RNA remodelling enzymes known as RNA helicases, as these are attractive drug targets and key molecular determinants of mRNA fate and non-coding RNA function in lymphocytes (e.g. Ribeiro de Almeida et al, Mol Cell 2018).  The candidate will play a central role in our integrated lab programme of work, exploring RNA helicase function at B-lymphocyte developmental steps where exquisite levels of gene regulation are required. In particular, the candidate will build on our recent findings showing dynamic changes in the RNA-protein interactions coordinate cell proliferation with the programmed induction of DNA double-strand breaks at antibody loci. The candidate will employ well-characterised B-lymphocyte culture systems as well as state-of-the-art RNA sequencing and imaging methods to understand how the mRNA flux between different sub-cellular compartments controls mRNA fate at the post-transcriptional level.  We are a junior, dynamic team housed within the Immunology Programme at the Babraham Institute. Working at the interface of Immunology and RNA biology fields, we value proactivity, creative thinking, and a collaborative approach to research.  The Babraham Institute is world-renowned for its research in life sciences and the post-holder will benefit from world-class research facilities, the collegial environment of the Institute and the wider scientific research community in the Cambridge area.  The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant discipline, and their expertise may include previous work in RNA biology and/or Immunology fields, high-throughput sequencing and cell imaging.  This is a limited term appointment with funding for this post available for a period of 3 years in the first instance.  Informal enquires can be addressed to Claudia Ribeiro de Almeida Claudia.Ribeiro@babraham.ac.uk.  For more information on the work of the group, please visit: https://www.babraham.ac.uk/our-research/lymphocyte/claudia-ribeiro-de-almeida Applicants must hold a PhD or have their thesis submitted when commencing the post. Please note that you will be appointed on the starting salary of £33,500 per annum, if you have not yet been awarded your PhD. All newly appointed postdocs will commence on the salary/scale point that reflects the number of years' post-PhD experience they hold on 30th June in the calendar year they commence employment.  Closing date for applications is 16th February 2024.  The Babraham Institute welcomes applications from all sections of society. For further details about this position or to apply online please click on the 'Apply' button above.  NO AGENCIES PLEASE  The Babraham Institute holds a silver Athena SWAN award and is committed to promoting and developing a culture of excellence, diversity and mutual respect that supports the Institute’s ambitions and attracts highly motivated and talented people.  The Babraham Institute abides by the principles of the government’s Disability Confident Scheme and has a positive approach to employing disabled people.