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UCL Biosciences is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the group of Kristine Arnvig at UCL’s department of structural and molecular biology.
The project aims to resolve the role of riboswitch-regulation of glycine metabolism in different pathogenic mycobacteria including Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

About the role

To be an active member of a research project/team assisting in the development of research proposals and the planning and delivery of research into riboswitch regulation of glycine metabolism in pathogenic mycobacteria.
The project revolves around the general microbiology and metabolomics of glycine metabolism and the central role of glycine riboswitches. For this role, the successful candidate will have to plan their own day-to day activities and experiments, analyse data and present results. Experiments include working in the CL3 lab, RNA isolation, RNA-sequencing and its analysis, other RNA related techniques including, but not limited to, inline and structure probing, reporter gene assays, general microbiology and metabolomics. Experiments will include isotope work and you will need to undergo local training for CL3 work and for handling radioactive isotopes.

This is an open-ended contract with funding available for 36 months in the first instance. Please note that the role is not eligible for hybrid working due to the nature of the research.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary £35,702 - £37,548 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.

If you have any queries about the role, please contact Dr Kristine Arnvig at [email protected]. If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact Biosciences staffing at [email protected].

About you

You are a highly motivated and independent scientist, who can provide original contributions to the subject areas of RNA biology, riboswitches and metabolism in pathogenic mycobacteria. You have (or are about to obtain) a PhD in one of the relevant subject areas and a proven track record of working with pathogenic mycobacteria, RNA, transcriptomic analysis or bacterial metabolisms and metabolomics.

You will assist the team in the development, planning and delivery of research funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and will be expected to produce independent and original contributions to the investigations of riboswitch regulation in mycobacteria.

In addition to developing and conducting the research, you will also communicate results as scientific papers and in scientific presentations at conferences.

What we offer

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/