Postdoctoral Research Associate

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a BBSRC grant. The
research topic is ‘Elucidating the role of the CHLORAD machinery in
chloroplast protein degradation’.





You will conduct ground-breaking research on the degradation of chloroplast
proteins by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), focusing on how this is
implemented to regulate the chloroplast protein import machinery. Our previous
work identified a ubiquitin E3 ligase, termed SP1, in the chloroplast outer
membrane that regulates chloroplast protein import by triggering the UPS-
mediated degradation of import machinery components; and showed that SP1
cooperates with several other components in a proteolytic pathway termed
CHLORAD (chloroplast-associated protein degradation). This project will
elucidate the functions of the CHLORAD system in fine molecular detail.





Responsibilities include planning, troubleshooting, and expertly executing the
research work involved in this project. You will present and discuss project
data in the context of the relevant literature at lab meetings and contribute
to the daily organisation and management of the research laboratory. You will
analyse and prepare data and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for
publication, and research grant applications. Part of the role will also be to
supervise research students and other junior researchers in the research
group.





The successful applicant will hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil
and relevant experience. You will have experience of protein biochemistry and
molecular biology, including membrane protein analysis. You will possess the
following: high motivation with intellectual curiosity and rigour; ability to
work independently and manage multiple tasks; ability to assimilate and
evaluate the relevant literature and its implications; and willingness and
ability to communicate with colleagues and to assist their work. You will have
statistical and data analysis skills relevant to the project and the ability
to present data to colleagues and non-specialist audiences. The ability to
write effectively is essential.





Informal enquiries should be directed to Paul Jarvis at
paul.jarvis@biology.ox.ac.uk





The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All
applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.





This post is full time and available from 1 January 2025 until 1 May 2026.





The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 22 November 2024,
interviews are likely to be scheduled for late November 2024.





Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment
system, and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as
part of your online application.