Postdoctoral Scientist - Structural Studies - Dr Suyang Zhang - LMB 2575

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB); Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 42,000

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary £41,344 per annum
Fixed Term 3 years
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK

We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher to join Dr Suyang Zhang’s group to investigate the mechanism of co-transcriptional splicing. The project aims to understand the mechanism of crosstalk between the transcription and splicing machineries using a combined biochemical and structural approach with a focus on cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).

In eukaryotes, RNA synthesis and splicing are intricately coupled to each other to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of pre-mRNA processing. Despite advances in our understanding of transcription and splicing as two separate processes, the molecular mechanisms underlying co-transcriptional splicing in a cellular context remain to be elucidated. We have previously determined the structure of a transcribing Pol II-U1 snRNP complex that provided a model of how distant intron ends can be functionally paired for splicing (Science 2021 371:6526). Recently, we have defined the mechanism of how transcription speed is regulated during productive elongation, shedding light on how Pol II speed may change across introns and exons (BioRxiv 2025.01.29.635449).

The successful candidate should have a PhD in biological sciences or be due to complete PhD within 6 months, and a strong background in structural biology, biochemistry or cell biology. Experience in cryo-EM and mammalian cell work are desirable. The candidate should have worked independently and have good communication skills for teamwork.

This is a three-year training and development position suitable for you if you have recently completed your doctoral studies, or you are looking to move into a new research discipline and/or need to further develop your research skills. Working with our world-class scientists, you will be in an Institute renowned for its excellent scientific facilities and high-quality research.

For further information, please visit: Suyang Zhang's Group
Informal enquiries are welcomed and can be sent directly to Suyang Zhang ([e-mail]).

The LMB has a collaborative working culture and state-of-the-art building based on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. We have on-site parking, cycle enclosures, and excellent public transport links to the site. We have a staff restaurant with roof terrace and access to a Campus nursery and sports and social facilities. You will be eligible to join our defined benefit pension scheme with an employer contribution of 16%, holiday entitlement of 40.5 days (including bank holidays and privilege days), and a generous employee discount scheme. We are also committed to providing training and development opportunities including support towards role-related qualifications.

The LMB is a world-class research institute within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). UKRI is nine research councils, working together across all disciplines and sectors. More information can be found at UKRI and MRC LMB.

Closing date: 21/04/2025

Final appointments will be subject to a pre-employment screening.

We actively support equality, diversity, and inclusion. We particularly welcome women, minority ethnic, and disabled candidates to apply for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented. We are a disability-inclusive employer and encourage disabled people to apply for this role.