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This research technician position is funded by a 0.8-FTE 2-year Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard grant led by Dr Adam Byron.

Overview

A Research Technician is required to join an Academy of Medical Sciences-funded project to investigate how regulation of the cytoskeleton at the nucleus controls cancer cell behaviour and gene expression.

The background

Physical stiffening of the tissue microenvironment is linked to multiple pathological processes, including progression of cancer. Cells respond to changes in the microenvironment by modulating gene expression programmes. However, remarkably little is known about how force actually leads to precise gene expression responses to the physical environment.

We have recently discovered an unexpected role for Mena, a regulator of the cytoskeleton, at the nuclear envelope, where it controls chromatin organisation and cancer gene expression. These data strongly suggest a mechanism by which cells can use to sense and respond to their surroundings.

The project

This project seeks to uncover how Mena regulates force-dependent signalling (mechanotransduction) and gene expression, which we believe contributes to how cancer cells respond to stiffness in their surroundings. As a cellular model, we will use squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) skin cancer cells that have been depleted of Mena using CRISPR/Cas9. To mimic a range of mechanical stresses, cells will be grown on tuneable viscoelastic substrates.

A range of molecular and cell biology techniques will be used to determine the role of Mena in the mechanosensitive regulation of cancer cell behaviour, including confocal, live-cell and super-resolution imaging, cloning, PCR, RT-qPCR and sequencing data analysis.

The lab

The Byron Lab uses systems-level approaches, integrating state-of-the-art proteomics, bioinformatics, functional cell biology, super-resolution imaging and cancer models, to discover new properties of cancer cell adhesion networks. Our research aims to generate mechanistic insights into cellular interactions with, and responses to, the tumour microenvironment that control fundamental aspects of cancer cell behaviour.

We are located in the Michael Smith Building at the University of Manchester, with access to state-of-the-art facilities for mass spectrometry, genomic technologies, sequencing and imaging (including confocal microscopy, super-resolution microscopy, light-sheet and lattice light-sheet microscopy, TIRFM, FRAP and FRET). Bioimaging work is in collaboration with microscopy expert Dr Peter March. Advanced cell substrate work is in collaboration with biomaterial engineering expert Dr Annalisa Tirella.

Further information

Applicants should hold a qualification at QCF level 6 (such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant biological science subject OR QCF level 2 passes (such as GCSE’s) in English and Mathematics and at least one Science subject and substantial relevant experience of working in a research laboratory.

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Happy to talk flexible working.

Blended working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Adam Byron:

Email [email protected]

General enquiries:

Email: [email protected]

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.