Postdoctoral Scholar
Plant and Microbial Biology
Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a cellular RNA surveillance system that recognizes transcripts with premature termination codons and degrades them. We discovered large numbers of natural alternative splice forms that appear to be targets for NMD, and this has proven to be a mode of gene regulation. We found that all members of the SR family of splice regulators have an unproductive alternative mRNA isoform targeted for NMD. Strikingly, the splice pattern for each is conserved in mouse and always associated with an ultraconserved or highly-conserved region of 100 or more nucleotides of perfect identity between human and mouse. Remarkably, the unproductive splicing and exceptionally conserved sequences seem to have evolved independently in nearly every one of the genes, suggesting that this is a facile mode of regulation.
Responsibilities:
Our computational experimental studies have identified thousands of human alternative isoforms that are likely targets of NMD, some of which are associated with ultraconserved elements. This position is for an experimental postdoctoral researcher to understand: 1) the regulatory role of alternative splicing coupled to NMD, targeting mRNAs for degradation, and 2) the functional significance and evolutionary mechanisms that underlie ultraconserved elements. This project will use a variety of RNA molecular biology technologies, cell culture, RNA biochemistry, as well as newer approaches including RNA-Seq high-throughput sequencing, microfluidic massively-parallel quantitative real time PCR, and ZFN genome editing.
Requirements:
Candidate should have Ph.D. in molecular biology or related field with a strong publication record and strong professional references. The ideal candidate will be an expert experimentalist in some area of RNA biology and capable of learning new technologies. As this position will involve writing research papers and working closely with both experimentalists and computational biologists, communication skills and the demonstrated ability to work independently will be weighted heavily. Work outside of regular business hours and travel is required.
To Apply:
Send:
- A resume or CV
- Three letters of recommendation, sent under separate cover. Please ask your referees to examine the University's statement on confidentiality.
- A summary of past and future research interests
Closes
2009-11-30
Please refer to the University's statement on confidentiality. Minorities and women encouraged to apply. University of California is an EOE/AAE.