Postdoctoral Researcher - Structural Studies - Dr Suyang Zhang - LMB 2761

Postdoctoral Researcher - Structural Studies - Dr Suyang Zhang - LMB 2761

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

Cambridge, United Kingdom

We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher to join Dr Suyang Zhang’s group to investigate the mechanism of co-transcriptional splicing. The project aims to understand the mechanism of crosstalk between the transcription and splicing machineries using a combined biochemical and structural approach with a focus on cryo-EM and isolation from endogenous sources.

In eukaryotes, RNA synthesis and splicing are intricately coupled to each other to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of pre-mRNA processing. Despite advances in our understanding of transcription and splicing as two separate processes, the molecular mechanisms underlying co-transcriptional splicing in a cellular context remain to be elucidated. We have defined the structural basis for the co-transcriptional recruitment of U1 snRNP (Science 2021, Nature comms 2025), which provided a model of how distant intron ends can be functionally paired for splicing. Additionally, we have discovered a regulatory mechanism that modulates Pol II elongation rate, shedding light on how Pol II speed may change across introns and exons (NSMB 2025).

The successful candidate should have a PhD in biological sciences or due to complete PhD within 6 months, and a strong background in structural biology, biochemistry or cell biology. Experience in protein purification and mammalian cell work are desirable. The candidate should have worked independently and have good communication skills for teamwork.

This is a three-year training and development position suitable for you if you have recently completed your doctoral studies, or you are looking to move into a new research discipline and/or need to further develop your research skills. Working with our world class scientists you will be working in an Institute renowned for its excellent scientific facilities and high-quality research.