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THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
PARTICULARS OF APPOINTMENT
FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
(Ref:)
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The University invites applications for the above post that is tenable from 1st june 2010
for up to 36 months.
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Salary will ~ £28,983 per annum. The University of Manchester will implement a new
pay and grading structure in line with the national framework agreement, therefore all
grades and salaries are currently under review and may change.
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Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Simon Turner Tel: +44 (0) 161 275 5751
or email: simon.turner@manchester.ac.uk
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Applications should be returned by … to:
Simon Turner
University of Manchester
Michael Smith Building
Manchester
M13 9PT
Email: simon.turner@manchester.ac.uk
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The University does not acknowledge applications or contact all unsuccessful
applicants. If you have not been contacted within four weeks of the closing date you
should assume that, on this occasion, your application has not been successful. We
would, however, like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in The
University of Manchester.
WITH THE COMPLIMENTS OF THE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
The University of Manchester
Job Description
Job Title: Research Associate
Reports To: Professor Simon Turner
Organisation Unit: Faculty of Life Sciences
Date: April 2010
Project title
The role of CESA protein post-translational modification in localisation and function of the
cellulose synthase complex
Research Environment
The project is a collaboration between Professor Simon Turner and Professor Karl Kadler.
You will join a Professor Turner’s laboratory where the major interest is on how plant
synthesise cellulose and the regulation of plant vascular development. The laboratory is
equipped to the highest standards, located within the recently constructed Michael Smith
Building. Scientific discussion is strongly promoted, and is facilitated by a vibrant seminar
program together with internal symposia, joint laboratory meetings, and journal clubs. The
laboratory is a member of the Cellular Organisation and Dynamics grouping, which
represents a strong research community focussed on related topics within the broader
themes of cell biology and includes several groups with plant based research interests.
Professor Kadler’ laboratory work primarily on the mammalian extracellular matrix, but will
provide the expertise in field of electron microscopy and protein structure determination using
electron microscopy.
All work in the Faculty is supported by state of the art central research facilities that are
staffed by full time experimental officers. Of particular relevance to this project are the
biomolecular analysis facility for protein analysis by various techniques including MS and the
electron microscopy facility that includes the recently commissioned Polara microscope for
high resolution electron tomography.
The Faculty of Life Sciences places considerable emphasis on the development of personal
and transferable skills, and a postdoctoral training programs includes a series of workshops
encompassing presentation, writing, interview/interviewing, and appraisal skills.
Background to the project
Cellulose is the most abundant component of biomass and consequently has huge potential
as a source of fermentable sugars for biofuel production. One of the unique aspects of
cellulose synthesis is the way in which the cellulose synthase complex (CSC) moves through
the plasma membrane. The complex is believed to make ~ 36 chains of (1-4) linked glucose
that form the microfibril. The microfibril is believed to be a rigid structure that the CSC is able
push against as it moves through the plasma membrane driven by the force of
polymerisation of the glucan chains. It has been hard to understand how a plasma
membrane can be fluid enough to allow movement of such a large (>4MDa) complex, whilst
preventing the complex from being pushed out of the membrane.
The only components of the CSC identified to date are the presumed catalytic CESA proteins
(e.g. Atanassov et al. 2009 J. Biol. Chem 284: 3833-3841). We originally identified that three
different CESA proteins were essential for formation of the CSC and used epitope tagging
and live cell imaging to examine the assembly and targeting of the complex (e.g. Atanassov
et al. 2009 J. Biol. Chem 284:3833-3841, Wightman et al. 2008 Plant J. 54:794-805).
Recently we have recently discovered that the CESA proteins are extensively modified by via
a novel post-translational modification that is essential for cellulose synthesis. As well as
being a major factor in intracellular targeting, CSC post-translational modification is likely to
be essential for embedding the CSC in the plasma membrane and will likely have a major
influence on the structure of the complex.
The project will involve characterising the role of CESA post-translation modification in
cellulose synthesis and specifically the its role in: (i) intracellular trafficking of the CSC, (ii)
partitioning of the CSC into specialised regions of the plasma membrane, (iii) determining the
structure of the CSC and (iv) limiting rates of cellulose deposition.
Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities or Duties:
You will be responsible for performing research to address the objectives above, the
subsequent compilation of data, and presentation of results.
You will be expected to:
 Design and perform experiments.
 Keep accurate records of your research methods and results.
 Analyse and interpret data.
 Contribute to the academic development of the project.
 Produce work of a suitable quality for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
 Actively read the scientific literature relating to the project.
 Present research findings at relevant meetings.
 Take part in laboratory meetings and internal seminars.
 Contribute to the general running of the laboratory.
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
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You should have relevant experience in the biochemistry, molecular genetics, cell
biology or electron microscopy.
Hold (or expect to hold shortly) a PhD in a biological science.
Be a highly motivated individual with a genuine enthusiasm for scientific research.
Be able to work independently and as part of a small team.
Have good communication skills.
Evidence of high quality peer reviewed research publications.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
Experience in one or more of the following areas:
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Biochemistry:
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Membrane protein purification
Membrane proteins characterisation
Plasmid DNA manipulation
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Arabidopsis molecular genetics
 Generating expression constructs and plant transformation
 Extraction and analysis of plant proteins
 Use of mass spectroscopy for protein identification
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Cell biology:
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Sub-cellular fractionation
Electron microscopy
Please note: The above particulars are intended as a general guide to the duties of
the post and the conditions of service. They do not constitute a contract of
employment between the University and the person appointed. The successful
applicant will however receive a full set of conditions of service on appointment.