Research Assistant - Composition Of Protein-Rna Condensates in Oxford

We are seeking to appoint a new Research Assistant in Composition of protein-RNA condensates to join our Oxford-GSK Institute of Molecular and Computational Medicine (IMCM). This post provides an exciting opportunity to join the newly established multidisciplinary Oxford-GSK Institute for Molecular & Computational Medicine (IMCM) operating within Nuffield Department of Medicine (NDM) in collaboration with Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience (NDCN), Nuffield Department of Population Health (NDPH) and Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (DPAG).

The Institute brings together the very best scientific, clinical, technological and computational expertise from Oxford University and GSK to form unique industry/academic partnership. The Hallegger Lab is an inclusive environment with a focus on positive and proactive mentorship, teamwork, and scientific creativity. The Hallegger lab addresses the question of what proteomics and transcriptomics changes are linked to the earliest stages in neurodegeneration.

In this role, you will support multidisciplinary approaches to discover and validate proteomic changes associated with changes in the condensation behaviour of TDP-43, an RNA-binding protein central to Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Recent work from Dr. Hallegger’s team has demonstrated, by taking an interdisciplinary approach, how RNA- and condensation-dependent assemblies affect transcriptome-wide RNA networks. This work in the increasingly important field of membrane-less organelles/condensates describes how the TDP-43 condensation properties specify its RNA-binding and regulatory repertoire.

With a strong background in biochemistry, cell biology and computational and statistical analysis, you will regularly communicate and work collaboratively with the Oxford-GSK IMCM post-doctoral fellows and researchers in the institute, keeping in mind the Oxford-GSK IMCM’s approach and mission. As a Research Assistant with experience in iPSC work and computational and statistical skills, you will be part of a multi-disciplinary, science driven team delivering proteomics, molecular biology and imaging-based results to better understand the molecular mechanisms in neurodegenerative disease.

You will work closely with the bioinformatics and proteomics teams on the data analysis. You will work to tight and moving deadlines, adopting a flexible approach, communicating progress clearly, and prioritising effectively across the team. This position represents an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic research environment, driving the delivery of a proteomics project in close collaboration with the joint Oxford-GSK research project teams.

It is essential that you hold an MSc degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics/Genomics or related area, with experience and knowledge of the neurodegenerative disease ALS and in particular the disease-linked TDP-43 protein. Similarly, you will have excellent experimental skills and the ability to independently drive a project, including decision‑making, problem‑solving, planning, and organising with strong communication skills both in writing and oral presentations.