At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research team to explore co-transcriptional splicing mechanisms.
- Company: World-renowned MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 40.5 days holiday, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with state-of-the-art facilities and great transport links.
- Why this job: Make impactful discoveries in structural biology with top scientists.
- Qualifications: PhD in biological sciences or nearing completion; strong structural biology background.
The predicted salary is between 42694 - 42694 £ per year.
We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher to join Dr Suyang Zhang's group to investigate the mechanism of co-transcriptional splicing. This is a three-year training and development position suitable for you if you have recently completed your doctoral studies, or you are looking to move into a new research discipline and/or need to further develop your research skills.
Working with our world-class scientists, you will be working in an Institute renowned for its excellent scientific facilities and high-quality research. The project aims to understand the mechanism of crosstalk between the transcription and splicing machineries using a combined biochemical and structural approach with a focus on cryo-EM and in vitro reconstitution.
In eukaryotes, RNA synthesis and splicing are intricately coupled to each other to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of pre-mRNA processing. Despite advances in our understanding of transcription and splicing as two separate processes, the molecular mechanisms underlying co-transcriptional splicing in a cellular context remain to be elucidated. We have defined the structural basis for the co-transcriptional recruitment of U1 snRNP (Science 2021, Nature comms 2025), which provided a model of how distant intron ends can be functionally paired for splicing. Additionally, we have discovered a regulatory mechanism that modulates Pol II elongation rate, shedding light on how Pol II speed may change across introns and exons (NSMB 2025).
The successful candidate should have a PhD in biological sciences or due to complete PhD within 6 months, and a strong background in structural biology or biochemistry. Experience in protein purification and cryo-EM are desirable. The candidate should have worked independently and have good communication skills for teamwork.
The LMB has a collaborative working culture and state-of-the-art building on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. We have excellent public transport on site including the Cambridge South train station (a two-minute walk from the lab), cycle enclosures and on-site parking. We have a staff restaurant with roof terrace and access to a Campus nursery and sports and social facilities.
You will be eligible to join our defined benefit pension scheme, a holiday entitlement of 40.5 days per annum (including bank holidays and privilege days) and a generous employee discount scheme. We are also committed to providing training and development opportunities including support towards role-related qualifications.
Further information about the benefits available can be found at http://www.discover.ukri.org/benefits-of-working-at-ukri. The LMB is a world-class research institute within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). UKRI is nine research councils, working together across all disciplines and sectors. More information can be found at www.ukri.org and https://mrclmb.ac.uk/.
Closing date: 7 December 2026.
We actively support equality, diversity and inclusion in all our activities, processes and culture. We encourage applications from all sections of society. The LMB particularly welcomes minority ethnic and disabled candidates to apply for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented. We are a disability inclusive employer and encourage disabled people to apply for this role. You are very welcome to contact us for information about the application process and any adjustments you may require; at recruit@mrclmb.ac.uk.
Postdoctoral Scientist - Structural Studies - Dr Suyang Zhang - LMB 3065 in Cambridge employer: MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and professional growth. With access to cutting-edge technology and the opportunity to lead impactful projects, employees are encouraged to develop their skills in a supportive environment, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in scientific computing.
Contact Details:
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology Recruitment Team
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