Job Description
Unit Name:
Human Genetics
Unit
Division/Section:
Job Title:
Career
Development
Fellow/Investigator
Scientist
Salary band range:
Band:
4
Tenure:
Reports to:
Dr Andrew Jackson
Working Hours:
Class of
Scientific
Post Number
appointment:
Overall Purpose:
Project Title – Drosophila as a Model for Human Disease
Medical &
Developmental
Genetics
£25,622 £31,358
3 years fixedterm funded by
a Lister Institute
Fellowship
36 hrs per week
TBA
Ref: 09/446
Background
Our lab works on the identification and functional analysis of genes involved in
human brain disorders. Our work has two major themes, the first is the study of
a ribonuclease (RNase H2), an enzyme thought to be involved in DNA replication,
that when mutated causes innate immune-mediated brain inflammation (Nat
Genet 38:910-6). The second involves disorders of human brain size, whose
drosophila orthologs encode several key centrosomal proteins (dSAS4, dPLP, asp,
cnn). In humans, mutations in such genes cause reduction in brain size to a third
of normal, a similar size to early human ancestors.
Research Objectives
The aim of this post, is to use biochemical, cellular and genetic approaches in
Drosophila to establish the biological mechanisms underlying these diseases.
Other complimentary experimental approaches are ongoing in the lab (molecular
genetic, mammalian cell biology, and mouse models). The post-holder will
investigate the RNaseH2 genes’ developmental functions, and address this
enzyme’s functional relationship to other AGS genes. Additionally, extending
previous work on Dmcph1 (J Cell Sci:120:3578), we will address whether this
and other microcephaly gene orthologs act in the same developmental pathway,
suggested by our recent work on the centrosomal protein Pericentrin (Nat Genet
40:232-6).
Working Relationships:
The postholder will be managed by Dr Andrew Jackson, and will work
collaboratively with colleagues in the group. The research group is within the
Section of Medical and Developmental Genetics of the MRC Human Genetics Unit.
Page 1 of 4
MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU
Telephone +44 (0) 131 332 2471 fax +44 (0)131 467 8456
Job Description
Organisational Position (insert organisation chart) :
Dr Andrew Jackson
Group leader
Dr Louise Bicknell
Postdoctoral researcher
Brain size project
Molecular Genetics
To be appointed
Postdoctoral researcher
Brain size project
Cell biology
This post
Postdoctoral researcher
Drosophila as a model for human disease
Carol-Anne Martin
PhD Student
Brain size project
Microcephalin cell biology
Andrea Leitch
Senior Technician
AGS project
Cell biology
Dr Martin Reijns
Postdoctoral researcher
AGS project
Biochemistry/cell biology
Dr Bjorn Rabe
Postdoctoral researcher
AGS project
Mouse model/immunology
Rachel Rigby
PhD student
AGS project
Innate immunity
Katy Astell
AGS project
PhD Student,
cell biology/biochemistry of RNase H2
Main Duties:
To design and perform experiments to investigate the developmental functions of
Ribonuclease H2 and related genes. To investigate whether brain size gene
orthologs act in the same developmental pathway.
Key Responsibilities:
 To design and perform experiments.
 To interpret data and use it to formulate new hypotheses and
experimental avenues
 To present data to other lab members and unit members in oral
presentations and seminars.
 To prepare data and write it up for publication in peer reviewed journals
 To provide advice and training to students.
Page 2 of 4
MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU
Telephone +44 (0) 131 332 2471 fax +44 (0)131 467 8456
Job Description
Employment Checks:
Agenda check level required
A – with regular access to animals
B – working with children & vulnerable adults
C – HR/ IT
D – Finance and purchasing
E – Bands 1& 2
F – Temporary & Interim
G – All other employees
Additional Information:
The Career Development Fellowship is on fixed term contract for 3 years,
offering training and development for post-doctoral scientists who have either
recently completed their doctoral studies, are moving into a new research
discipline, have limited previous experience of key transferable skills, or are
clinically qualified with little or no research experience.
They provide opportunities to develop research project skills and collaborative
links with colleagues within the Institute and elsewhere.
CDF starting salary £25,622
The post would also be considered for a candidate who has completed their postdoc training and moving on to an Investigator Scientist role.
Further information on MRC Human Genetics Unit can be found at:
www.hgu.mrc.ac.uk
Further information on the group’s work is available at:
http://www.hgu.mrc.ac.uk/people/a.jackson_researchb.html
For informal enquires email: Andrew.Jackson@hgu.mrc.ac.uk or
personnel@hgu.mrc.ac.uk
CV must be included with application.
Closing date: 18 September 2009
Interviews will be held locally
Equality & Diversity:
The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is
committed to achieving equality of treatment for all. Its objective is that all
individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement on
the basis of their skills, aptitudes and abilities. The MRC is committed to the
engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an
environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good
equalities and diversity leadership and management.
Corporate/Local responsibilities & requirements:
The job holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to
the MRC’s:
Page 3 of 4
MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU
Telephone +44 (0) 131 332 2471 fax +44 (0)131 467 8456
Job Description




Code of conduct
Equality & Diversity Policy
Health & Safety Policy
Information technology policy and Data protection Act
Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual
appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between postholder and line
manager
The above lists are not exhaustive and the job holder is required to undertake
such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All staff
are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the
requirements of the post and the MRC.
Page 4 of 4
MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU
Telephone +44 (0) 131 332 2471 fax +44 (0)131 467 8456