Grade 7 GBP 27,466 - 33,780 p.a.
The Post: We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated postdoctoral research fellow with experience in molecular biology and genetics to join a group that is studying the genetic networks that control cardiac development (see Nature Genetics 2001, 2004; Genes&Dev 2008 in press). A particular focus is the role of the transcription factor Cited2 in cardiac development. The post is available from August 2008, and is funded by a Wellcome Trust Program Award to Shoumo Bhattacharya.
The Laboratory: Our group (see http://www.well.ox.ac.uk/bhattacharya/) is studying the genetic networks that control cardiac development.
Scientific background: A particular focus of the Bhattacharya lab is the Cited2 network, which was discovered by virtue of its interaction with the transcriptional co-activators p300/Crebbp1. Using mouse knockout approaches we defined the pleiotropic functions of Cited2 in heart development and left-right patterning2,3, and have shown that it results from an essential requirement in the epiblast4. Using protein interaction approaches we have extended the Cited2 network to show that it acts as a co-activator for TFAP2 by recruiting p300/CREBBP to chromatin2,3,5. Cited2 molecular targets include the polycomb genes, Bmi1 and Mel18, and as a result, deficiency of Cited2 results in failure of mouse embryonic fibroblast proliferation6. Cited2 is also necessary in ES cells for proliferation7. Cited2 mutations have recently been identified in patients with congenital heart disease8. In ongoing work, we have identified several mutations of CITED2 in patients with congenital heart disease, some of which have defective transcriptional activation. These mutations are buffered i.e. they are typically inherited form normal parents who do not have disease.
The project: The overall aims of the Wellcome Trust Program Grant are:
(a) define the CITED2 protein-interaction network using immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry approaches
(b) identify Cited2 target genes using ChIP and microarrays
(c) determine how disease causing mutations disrupt these interactions to result in cardiac malformation.
(d) determine how disease causing mutations are buffered
(e) create mouse knockins of disease-causing mutations to study their role in vivo
Job requirements: The fellow will have a PhD in a relevant area (genetics, molecular & cell biology or developmental biology). It is expected that the successful candidate will be highly motivated, productive, contribute new ideas, whilst also aiming to facilitate training and supervision of other more junior researchers in the group.
Selection Criteria
- Substantial molecular biology & genetics experience
- Strong publication record
- Demonstrable verbal communication skills - e.g. conference presentations
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
- Co-operative and flexible to changing project priorities
- Excellent attention to detail
- Good problem solving skills
- Experience in proteomics
- Strong bioinformatic skills
Application
Please contact Professor Shoumo Bhattacharya (sbhattacwell.ox.ac.uk) to informally discuss the post. To apply, please write a letter of application (quoting reference V8/SB/013) with a detailed curriculum vitae and names and contact details (including, if available, fax and email addresses) of two persons to whom reference may be made, and send it to the Recruitment Administrator, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Level 6, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU by 27th June 2008. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
Interviews will be held early in July. Reasonable interview expenses will be reimbursed.
The department will assume it is free to approach referees at any stage unless the candidates application stipulates otherwise (i.e. candidates who wish a referee or referees to be approached only with their specific permission and/or if they were being called for interview are asked to state such requirements explicitly alongside the details of the relevant referee(s)).
Please quote 10 Academic Resources Daily in your application to this opportunity!
If you want to receive academic resources in your e-mail on daily basis, please subscribe to 10resources-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
