Job Description

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The Opportunity:

We are looking for a driven and enthusiastic post-doctoral researcher interested in understanding how DNA-and RNA-binding activities of Helix-Turn-Helix transcription factors in an important bacterial pathogen (MRSA) contribute to virulence and host infection.

We recently found that many Helix-Turn-Helix domain transcription factors (HTH-TFs) from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus also globally bind RNA in vivo. Some HTH-TFs have well-established transcriptional roles in regulating MRSA infectivity and antibiotic resistance. Moreover, the transcription activity of numerous HTH-TFs can be controlled by small molecules, making them promising targets for developing novel antimicrobials.

Our data indicate that the regulatory impact of HTH-TFs is much more profound than anticipated, underscoring the need for a thorough characterisation of these proteins. We hypothesise that HTH-TFs post-transcriptionally control a substantial fraction of antibiotic resistance and virulence factors by altering the stability/translation of RNA substrates. RNA may also compete with HTH-TF transcriptional activities.

By integrating state-of-the-art biochemical and phenotypic approaches, you will obtain detailed mechanistic insights into how these RNA-binding activities impact gene expression, and pathogenicity during host infection. A detailed understanding of MRSA HTH-TF function and how its nucleic acid binding is regulated may underpin future therapeutic approaches.

This post is fixed term from 1st April 2024- 31st March 2026 (24 months) and is full time (35 hours per week)

Your skills and attributes for success:

• Experience in studying host-pathogen interactions.
• Experience with analysis of large datasets using Python and/or R
• Demonstrated background in infection biology.
• Experience in genetic manipulation of bacteria.
• Understanding of gene expression regulatory mechanisms.

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As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary of UE07 \xc2\xa337,099- \xc2\xa344,263 per annum (A revised salary range for this grade of\xc2\xa339,347 to \xc2\xa346,974 is planned to take effect from Spring 2024)
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our

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Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our (opens new browser tab)

The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office\'s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 8 March 2024

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

About Us: As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow\'s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.

About the Team:

As the modern inheritors of our 400-year-old reputation for excellence, our staff and students contribute to a vibrant academic community whose visions are shaping tomorrow\'s world. The School of Biological Sciences is at the leading edge in teaching, research and innovation. Independent rankings such as the Times Higher Education consistently place us amongst the top 25 universities in the world for biological sciences. We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working and to recognise and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development opportunities for all staff. We place a particular focus on development for early-career researchers (postgraduate and postdoctoral research staff and personal fellowship holders), offering mentoring and an active \'BioDocSoc\' organisation that brings together researchers for networking, events and training opportunities.

The School of Biological Sciences holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance the representation of women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology.

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University of Edinburgh