Research FellowUniversity

Location: Leeds - Main Campus

Contract type: Fixed term (12 months - to complete specific time limited work.)

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in mass spectrometry based structural biology? Do you want to further your career in one of the UKs leading research intensive Universities?

We are seeking a postdoctoral Research Fellow with extensive hands-on expertise in mass spectrometry to work on a collaborative project investigating the molecular mechanisms of TDP-43 self-assembly and mis-oligomerisation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The project overall will combine advanced mass spectrometry, protein biochemistry, cellular models and structural biology approaches to determine how TDP-43 oligomerisation is altered in ALS and to identify new strategies for therapeutic intervention.

ALS is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterised by dysfunction and aggregation of the RNA-binding protein TDP-43. Although TDP-43 pathology is a hallmark of most ALS cases, the molecular mechanisms that drive the transition to pathogenic structures remain poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests that abnormal TDP-43 oligomerisation may represent one of the earliest molecular events in disease pathogenesis and could provide new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

You will bring extensive experience in structural proteomics to the role, and utilise and further develop advanced structural proteomics approaches including chemical crosslinking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) using photoactivatable crosslinkers to investigate TDP-43 interactions and oligomerisation primarily in vitro.

You will be based in the laboratory of Dr Antonio Calabrese and work closely with collaborators within the Astbury Centre at Leeds as well as collaborators in Sheffield, Essex and the Netherlands. You will have a PhD (or be close to completion) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics or a related discipline. You will have an interest in analytical techniques, and significant experience in structural mass spectrometry.

The University of Leeds and the Faculty of Biological Sciences are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN (the national body that promotes gender equality in higher education), and the Faculty of Biological Sciences was awarded a Silver award in 2020. We are proud to be an inclusive Faculty that values all staff, and are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. Our Athena SWAN webpage provides more information.

What we offer in return

26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!

Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance.

Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.

Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.

Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr. Antonio Calabrese, Associate Professor

Email: [email protected]

Further details: Candidate Brief

£41,064 to £48,822 per annum (Grade 7)