Research Associate in Secreted Extra-Organismal RNA-Binding Proteins

Research Associate in Secreted Extra-Organismal RNA-Binding Proteins

University of Cambridge - Department of Biochemistry

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Our recent studies identified an extra-organismal RBP in the honeybee jelly secretion, which is somewhat analogous to mammalian milk (Maori et al., Mol Cell, 2019; Maori et al., Cell Reports, 2019). Prompt by this observation, we explored the presence of such RBPs in breast milk. We isolated two secreted milk proteins with robust yet unknown RNA-binding capacity, playing essential metabolic roles. Both factors are conserved across mammals, active in the intestine, and interact with multiple receptors and components of the extracellular matrix. Therefore, our key goals are to define how and why these novel secreted RBPs bind RNA in human milk and the gastrointestinal tract. To achieve these goals, the successful candidate will employ cutting-edge protein and RNA biochemistry techniques, imaging and high-throughput sequencing to assess the impact of RNA binding on protein/RNA stability and function. They will also test whether these secreted RBPs are endocytosed in their ribonucleoprotein forms and deliver their maternal RNA partners into cells.

Applicants will hold or be about to receive a PhD in a relevant subject. They will have a track record in driving competitive research, including peer reviewed publications as first author. The ideal candidate will be passionate about interdisciplinary research and be highly motivated to succeed professionally.

Strong experience with protein biochemistry, molecular RNA analyses and cell culture is highly desirable. A solid background in cell biology, protein activity assays and NGS analyses would be advantageous, but not mandatory.

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United Kingdom      Academic      Biochemistry      Biology      PhD Required      University of Cambridge - Department of Biochemistry