Research Associate - Proteomics

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The Role
You will join the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, an internationally recognised centre of excellence in neuromuscular disease research, embedded within a multidisciplinary environment of clinicians, scientists, and computational researchers. This postdoctoral position offers a distinctive opportunity to contribute to an ambitious and collaborative programme focused on the “dark proteome” in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), in partnership with leading groups at the Human Technopole in Milan, Italy, and University of Colorado Anschutz, USA. A central aspect of the role will be the preparation, processing and analysis of skeletal muscle samples for proteomic and transcriptomic workflows, requiring hands-on expertise in working with complex tissues. The postholder will lead on optimising and implementing these sample preparation workflows, while also contributing to downstream data interpretation within a proteogenomic workflow. In addition to this project, the candidate will support and contribute to related proteomics and omics studies within the Centre, making this an ideal role for a researcher seeking to combine technical leadership with broader involvement in translational research.

The main project aims to characterise the “dark proteome” in FSHD, with a focus on identifying previously unannotated or poorly characterised protein species arising from non-canonical translation and related mechanisms. Using patient-derived skeletal muscle biopsies and complementary experimental systems, the study will generate high-quality proteomic datasets, with particular emphasis on robust and reproducible sample preparation from challenging tissue. These data will be integrated with transcriptomic and clinical datasets to uncover novel disease mechanisms, identify candidate biomarkers, and inform therapeutic development. The collaboration with partners at the Human Technopole provides access to complementary expertise and advanced analytical approaches, allowing a comprehensive and high-impact investigation into previously unexplored aspects of muscle biology in FSHD.

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Please note if you are successful in the role, you will require medical clearance before commencing the role.

Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/.

Find out more about our Research Institutes: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/research/institutes/.

Contact for the post is Prof Giorgio Tasca Giorgio.Tasca@newcastle.ac.uk.

Duration of post is until 31 July 2028.

Qualifications

• PhD in in the research area required (e.g. molecular biology, biochemistry, proteomics, or related field).