Job Description
Unit Name:
Human Genetics
Unit
Division/Section:
Job Title:
Career
Development
Fellow/Investigator
Scientist
Salary range:
Band:
4
Tenure:
Reports to:
Dr Andrew Jackson
Working Hours:
Medical &
Developmental
Genetics
Andrew Jackson
Group
£25,622 £31,358
Fixed-term 3
years funded by
a Lister Institute
Prize
36 hrs per week
Class of
Scientific
Post Number
TBA
appointment:
Ref: 09/447
Overall Purpose:
Project Title: Cellular Pathways Determining Human Brain Size
Background
Mutations in genes encoding centrosomal proteins and cell-cycle regulators cause
primary microcephaly and primordial dwarfism. In these disorders brain volume is
reduced to a third of normal, a size comparable with early human ancestors.
Recently, we identified mutations in Pericentrin (Nat Genet 40:232-6), a core
centrosomal protein, and established that it had a role in ATR dependent DNA
damage response signalling. This suggests that common cellular pathway(s) may
form the mechanistic basis for these conditions, and that the genes involved are
important in regulating neural stem cell proliferation and survival.
Research Objectives
The purpose of this post will be to investigate the function of novel proteins
identified for these disorders through molecular genetic studies in the lab, as well
as the cellular roles of Microcephalin, a protein in which we have a longstanding
interest (Am J Hum Genet 75:261, Nat Cell Biol 8:725, J Cell Sci 120:3578, Nat
Cell Biol 11, 865). Additionally, the postholder will participate in our collaboration
with Dr. Gareth Sullivan and Prof Sidathran Chandran to establish human neural
stem cell models to study the cell cycle dynamics of neural progenitors, utilising
human iPS technology.
Working Relationships:
The postholder will be managed by Dr Andrew Jackson, and will work
collaboratively with colleagues in the group on the disorders of brain size project.
The research group is within the Section of Medical and Developmental Genetics
of the MRC Human Genetics Unit.
Organisational Position (insert organisation chart) :
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
www.hgu.mrc.ac.uk
Job Description
Dr Andrew Jackson
Group leader
Dr Louise Bicknell
Postdoctoral researcher
Brain size project
Molecular Genetics
This post
Postdoctoral researcher
Brain size project
Cell biology
To be appointed
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 cellular functions of known
and novel microcephaly proteins, characterising their function through cell cycle
and mitosis, and determine protein interaction partners.
Key Responsibilities:



To design and perform experiments to establish the cellular functions of
microcephaly and primordial dwarfism genes.
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
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
www.hgu.mrc.ac.uk
Job Description


presentations and seminars.
To prepare data and write it up for publication in peer reviewed journals
To provide advice and training to students.
Employment Checks:
Please note that final appointment will be subject to pre-employment
screening.
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
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
www.hgu.mrc.ac.uk
Job Description
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:




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
www.hgu.mrc.ac.uk