Research Associate - Desmosome

Job reference: BMH-024233 Salary: £36,024-£38,205 per annum depending on experience Faculty/Organisational Unit: Biology, Medicine Health Location: Manchester Employment type: Fixed Term Division/Team: Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine Hours Per Week: Full Time (1 FTE) Closing date: 30/01/2024 Contract Duration: Fixed Term for 24 months School/Directorate: School of Biological Sciences We are looking for an enthusiastic new member of our lab to lead research on a project investigating how cells communicate with neighbouring cells through desmosomes. Our work has provided novel insights into how desmosome adhesion stages are regulated (Fülle JB et al. JCS 2021; Fülle JB et al. bioRxiv 2023) and will allow us to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in detail. Skills required: Cell biology (cell culture, transfection, knockdown technologies and CRISPR knockout); BioID mass spectrometry and network analysis; Advanced fluorescence microscopy (e.g. FRAP, photoactivation and super-resolution microscopy); Molecular biology (cloning and site-directed mutagenesis approaches); Biochemistry (coIPs including SDS-PAGE and Western blotting). The duration of the contract will be 2 years full-time with the possibility of extension. The successful candidate will be a member of the Ballestrem lab in collaboration with the Garrod lab. The Ballestrem lab (www.ballestremlab.com) is embedded in the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research in Manchester in the Michael Smith Building, which provides a friendly and scientifically excellent research environment What you will get in return: Fantastic market leading Pension scheme Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays Additional paid closure over the Christmas period Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status.  All appointments are made on merit. Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here Hybrid working arrangements may be considered. Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies. Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk. Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift. Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews: Name: Christoph Ballestrem Email: Christoph.ballestrem@manchester.ac.uk General enquiries: Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk Technical support: https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.