Research Fellow London, England
Job description
About us
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 laboratory of Professor Frances Brodsky at University College London. Prof. Brodsky’s group has a history of successful research using biochemistry and structural, molecular, and cell biological techniques to elucidate the properties of the clathrin proteins and their roles in physiology and disease.
About the role
The main purpose of this position is to analyse differentiated human muscle cultures to characterize the cell biology and regulation of CHC22 clathrin. CHC22 is a novel isoform of the clathrin protein that controls intracellular targeting of the GLUT4 glucose transporter to an intracellular compartment in muscle from where it is mobilised in response to postprandial insulin, resulting in blood glucose clearance. The project will involve state of the art 3D tissue culture and specialised electron microscopy (3D scanning EM) to analyse the morphology of the GLUT4 compartment and how it changes in models of insulin resistance.
This role is an open-ended contract with a funding end date of 30/09/2025 in the first instance.
Please note that 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.
A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. Please include in your supporting statement your reasons for applying to work on this project and/or our lab in particular.
If you have any queries about the role, please contact Dr Kit Briant (Lab Manager - [email protected]) and/or Professor Frances Brodsky ([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 must have a PhD in a relevant subject with in-depth knowledge and technical expertise in a wide range of experimental techniques in molecular cell biology. This would include experience with cultures of differentiated cells and advanced imaging, and a working knowledge of membrane traffic, muscle biology and metabolism.
Advanced research and project management skills are required, including excellent communication skills, effective management of multiple tasks and an ability to work effectively with others to maintain a collegial and professional research environment. A commitment to developing and conducting a long-term research project is also required.
You should have a good publication record, including recent publications in respected scientific journals.
What we offer
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-Site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
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/
