Postdoctoral Research Associate

Full Job Description

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 £37,099- £44,263 p er annum  (A revised salary range for this grade of£39,347 to £46,974 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  staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits   

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 right to work webpages   (opens new browser tab) 

Th e 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