A Research Assistant position funded by the Wellcome Trust is available in the McMullan laboratory at Imperial College London studying Rho GTPase signalling. Rho GTPases regulate many important cellular functions and have been linked to several human diseases. Using RNAi and genetic screening approaches in C. elegans we aim to better understand their role in vivo. We are particularly interested in understanding how they regulate cell shape during innate immune responses. The post will be based in the Cell Biology and Functional Genomics Section within the Department of Life Sciences at the South Kensington Campus, London.
The successful candidate will assist in setting up and performing whole genome RNAi and genetic screens in C. elegans in order to identify downstream effectors of Rho. You will also be involved in characterising the genes identified from these screens using a combination of genetics, cell culture, molecular biology and fluorescence microscopy.
You must have a degree in Biochemistry or a related subject and have previous laboratory experience. Experience in basic laboratory techniques, such as calculation of concentrations and dilutions, solution and buffer preparation and conducting experiments and keeping accurate records are essential. Experience with C.elegans, RNAi, basic molecular biology techniques, genetics and genetic screening approaches and Fluorescence microscopy are desirable.
You will have excellent attention to detail and you must be able to organise your own work load with minimal supervision. The ability to work as part of a team and follow protocols and learn new techniques are essential.
The is a fixed term post for 5 years.
Closing date is 24th February 2010
For informal inquiries please contact w.wilde@imperial.ac.uk
Please apply via the Imperial College Website at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/employment Job Reference number NS2010028DP