(2 posts)

Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Parks Road, Oxford

Grade 7: £29,837 - 36,661 with a discretionary range to £40,046 p.a.

Applications are invited for 2 postdoctoral research scientists, to work under the supervision of Professor Dame Kay Davies, FRS on a research project related to the development of effective therapies for the X-linked neuromuscular disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The project seeks to optimise small molecules that modulate the expression of utrophin; the autosomal homologue of dystrophin, in collaboration with the Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford and the Oxford spin-out company, Summit plc (http://www.summitplc.com). 

Your responsibilities will include assessment of the efficacy in vitro and in vivo of small molecule utrophin modulators using various molecular analyses of gene expression methodologies (e.g. RT-PCR, qPCR, protein characterisation and microarray) in addition to developing novel biomarkers of disease progression using protein and miRNA expression profiles.

You will have a doctoral degree (or equivalent) in a relevant area of research ideally with industrial experience working in a drug discovery environment, coupled with a demonstrable interest in muscle biology. You will have relevant experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques, excellent organisational skills, the ability to keep meticulous records and to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

One post is funded by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign UK and the other by Summit plc. The posts are offered for 1 year in the first instance, extendable for up to a further 2 years. You will be based in the Oxford Centre for Gene Function, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QB.

An appointment at Grade 6 (£26,264 - £31,664 p.a.) may be considered for a suitable candidate holding a Master    s degree or equivalent. An appropriate adjustment in the duties would be made in such a case.

Closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 17 April 2014.