Postdoctoral Research Associate: Gene Editing

Department of Biology
The Department of Biology is recognised as one of the leading and most accomplished departments at York, with a global reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where staff and students can thrive, contribute their best, and achieve their full potential. We take great pride in holding the Athena Swan Gold Award.

Role
This position is part of a new Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations, part of the Accelerating Adaptation programme (see https://aria.org.uk/opportunity-spaces/resilient-climate-and-ecosystems/accelerated-adaptation for more information on ARIA and this programme). The project is a collaboration between groups at the Universities of York and Exeter; this position relates to the York component and will be based at York. Anticipated start date for the project is 01 Sept 2026; start date for this position is negotiable but as soon as possible after project start. End date for the current phase of funding is 31 August 2028. There are two postdoc positions available on the project; we anticipate one more insect-focused, related to delivery systems, micro-injection, recovery and analysis of mutants, the other more molecular biology-focused, related to development and adaptation of prime editors, especially with variant PAM sites and other molecular aspects of the project such as efficient identification of specific edits. This position relates to the more molecular-focused one; candidates are welcome to apply to both positions.

The successful candidate will be expected to lead the section of the project in relation to provision of functional prime editors: pegRNA design, novel enzymes and variants, also molecular aspects of detecting edits, to make specific, targeted, precise genome edits in a range of insect species. We aim to start in a model insect, likely Drosophila, then move on (project year 2) to insect pollinators. The project and position are embedded in a large, dynamic research group engaged in various aspects of insect synthetic biology; the successful candidate will also be expected to interact with the other elements of the group across this space.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications Needed

• PhD in a relevant biological science, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of relevant research techniques and methodologies.
• Good communication skills, ability to write up research work for publication in high profile journals.
• Experience of developing RNA-guided nucleases, preferably prime editors.

Interview date: To be confirmed.

For informal enquiries: please contact Prof Luke Alphey (luke.alphey@york.ac.uk).

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We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

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