英国弗朗西斯克里克研究所2024年招聘博士后（病毒辅助蛋白）

弗朗西斯·克里克研究所（Francis Crick Institute）：2010年诺贝尔奖得主、遗传学家保罗·纳斯提议将英国伦敦两家最大的生物医学研究中心（英国国家医学研究所，英国癌症研究中心）合并在一起，建立一个巨型实验室。

2015年11月实验室将竣工，2021年，这家耗费6.5亿英镑（约63亿人民币）、占地9.3万平方米的研究所将全功率运行，将有1600位科学家和工作人员在这里工作，它将成为欧洲最大的单一生物医学实验室。

Postdoctoral Fellow

Employer

Francis Crick Institute

Location

London (Greater) (GB)

Salary

From £43,210 per annum with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Closing date

4 Nov 2024

Postdoctoral Fellow

Reporting to: Kate Bishop, Principal Group Leader

Contract term: This is a full-time, fixed term (4 years) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Summary

Many retroviruses have accessory proteins. These are dispensable for viral replication in cell culture but are required in vivo, and often increase transmission or pathogenicity in the host. In recent years, it has become clear that the function of retroviral accessory proteins is to block cellular proteins that interfere with viral replication. Therefore, studying viral accessory proteins not only allows us to discover more about how the virus replicates, but also to learn more about cellular defence mechanisms and general cell biology.

Viral protein R (Vpr) is a 14-16 kDa accessory protein found in primate lentiviruses like HIV-1, that is actively packaged into viral particles, and is thus present during both early and late stages of infection. Vpr is a paralogue of Vpx, an accessory protein found in HIV-2, that targets the cellular SAMHD1 protein for degradation. Like Vpx, Vpr also interacts with the DDB1/CUL4A/ROC1 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex through an interaction with the substrate-adaptor protein DCAF and degrades cellular proteins. Various targets for Vpr have been reported, however, the role of Vpr during HIV infection is still currently unknown. Numerous effects of Vpr on the cell have been reported over the years, including disruption of cell cycle control, enhancement of transcription, and induction of both DNA damage and apoptosis. Recently, Vpr has also been linked to antagonising the silencing of integrated HIV-1 DNA that results in the viral reservoir in patients and is the main barrier to finding a cure for HIV.

The successful applicant will investigate the function and cellular targets of Vpr during HIV-1 replication, focusing initially on Vpr-induced DNA damage and how this promotes viral replication.

The Research Group

Retroviruses cause severe diseases including AIDS and cancer. Many anti-retroviral dugs and cellular anti-viral factors target the early stages of the viral life cycle. However, numerous events that occur during these stages are still poorly understood. Dr Bishop’s laboratory focuses on the early, post-entry replication of retroviruses including HIV and MLV. She is interested in understanding the molecular events that occur when a retrovirus infects its target cell in order to fully understand retroviral replication and provide potential ways in which to manipulate these processes for the benfit of human health. Details of current research projects can be seen at: https://www.crick.ac.uk/research/a-z-researchers/researchers-a-c/kate-bishop/. Her lab uses a wide range of research techniques including virological, biochemical and microscopy techniques and she collaborates closely with structural biologists.

The Role

Dr Bishop is seeking a talented and motivated postdoc to study the function of the HIV Vpr protein during HIV infection.

The successful applicant will investigate how Vpr impacts the cell and how this promotes viral replication. The project will initially focus on Vpr-induced DNA damage and the effects on chromatin, but all aspects of Vpr biology may be investigated.

Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators) and guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a team is essential.

Key experience and competencies

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, imaginative, open, dynamic and collegial, in addition to the following:

Essential

PhD in virology, cell biology or molecular biology

Good knowledge and understanding of retrovirology

Expertise in molecular biology and biochemical techniques

Expertise in cell culture and transfection

Pro-active in innovation and problem solving

Experience of experimental design

Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals

Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings

Ability to work independently and also capable of interacting within a group

Desirable

Experience working with primary cells

Experience in microscopy

Experience in flow cytometry

Good understanding of bioinformatics

Research experience of DNA damage pathways

Research experience of viral accessory proteins or innate immunity

Find out what benefits the Crick has to offer:

For more information on our great pay and benefits package please click here: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/pay-and-benefits

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.

Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.

The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.

Read more on our website: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/equality-diversity-and-inclusion