Research Associate (Fixed Term)

The Edgar lab at the Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge wishes to recruit a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join their team.

The Edgar lab focus on endosome and exosome membrane trafficking, with a specific interest in the role of tethered exosomes in health and disease. Exosomes are small, extracellular vesicles with roles in intercellular communication. Exosomes are generated initially as intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) within multivesicular bodies (MVBs), and become termed 'exosomes' upon fusion of the MVB with the plasma membrane. The Edgar lab have shown that cells can retain exosomes on their plasma membrane (see 'Tetherin is an exosomal tether', DOI: 10.7554/eLife.17180 - https://elifesciences.org/articles/17180), although how and why this occurs remains largely unexplored. This retention of exosomes at the cell surface is dependent on the anti-viral protein tetherin, which plays a similar role in the retention of several enveloped viruses.

This research project aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms of exosome tethering, and determine how tetherin is trafficked to ILVs and exosomes. You will contribute to fundamental discoveries in this rapidly growing field of biology. The ideal candidate will be motivated and enthusiastic, and have a PhD in cell biology or a related field. Experience with molecular biology, biochemistry, confocal microscopy and cell culture are desirable. An interest in cell biology and membrane trafficking is preferred. The successful candidate will be given the opportunity to learn cutting-edge microscopy techniques, including transmission electron microscopy, during the project.

Appointment is dependent on having a PhD.

The position is full-time.

This opportunity is funded by a Sir Henry Dale Fellowship awarded to James Edgar by the Wellcome Trust and Royal Society. The funds for this post are available for 18 months in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

For more information on the work of the Edgar lab, please visit https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/directory/james-edgar.

For informal enquiries, please email je333@cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference PK36963 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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