Faculty of Biological Sciences
Institute of Integrative and Comparative Biology
Research Fellow
(Full-time, fixed-term for 3 years)
Project Title: The role of MRE11 in linking DNA repair to chromatin remodelling
The aim of this BBSRC funded project is to determine roles played by histone acetylation in signalling and repair of Arabidopsis DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). Firstly, this study will establish the importance and functions of chromatin modification in survival of plants exposed to genotoxic stress and determine the role of targeted histone acetylation on the kinetics of DSB repair. In addition, analysis of the local patterns of chromatin modification in the immediate vicinity of an induced DSB will provide a time-course of the chromatin structural changes that play important roles in the early events of eukaryotic DSB repair. These studies will determine how plant cells respond to DNA damage and modulate chromatin structure to promote repair to minimise the threat of abiotic stresses to genome integrity.
You must be a highly motivated and innovative scientist with a PhD (or soon to be awarded) in a related area. You will have proven skills and expertise in relevant aspects of the molecular biology and protein biochemistry of Arabidopsis DNA repair proteins.
Dr West’s lab is part of the Centre for Plant Sciences (http://www.plants.leeds.ac.uk/), one of the largest plant research groups in a UK University and part of the Faculty of Biological Sciences. Together the CPS and the Faculty are very well equipped for the project and offer a stimulating environment in which post-doctoral scientists can develop their career.
University Grade 7 (£29,704 – £35,469 p.a.) It is likely that an appointment will be made at £29,704 p.a. since there are funding limitations which dictate the level at which the appointment can start.
Informal enquiries to Dr Chris West email c.e.west@leeds.ac.uk tel +44 (0)113 343 2915
To download an application form and job details please visit www.leeds.ac.uk and click on jobs. Alternatively these may be obtained from Mr Alex Bateman, Faculty Staff Recruitment Office email fbsjobs@leeds.ac.uk tel +44 (0)113 343 7493
