Post-doctoral Scientist (Fixed Term) at University of Cambridge

Location: Central Cambridge

The University of Cambridge wishes to appoint a post-doctoral scientist to join the research group of Professor Heike Laman in the Department of Pathology. We are searching for a highly motivated scientist to investigate ubiquitin biology and its role in sperm morphogenesis with the ultimate aim of understanding and treating male infertility.

Infertility is a common and complex medical issue affecting an estimated 1 in 7 couples worldwide, with male infertility contributing to about half of these cases. In 10-15% of infertile males, there is a complete absence of sperm production, and a high proportion of these cases are due to genetic abnormalities causing a maturation arrest in germ cell development. For these patients, prognosis is poor. We identified a mouse with a maturation arrest, in which males deficient for the Fbxo7 ubiquitin ligase, show a complete loss of developing germ cells during cellular remodelling. This unprecedented sterility phenotype in mice provides us a unique opportunity to study a precise stage where there is profound a morphological transformation, from a round cell to a mature sperm with a compacted head and a flagellum. Key project goals are to create mouse models with cell type-specific deletions of Fbxo7 to assess their phenotypes and to use proteomics approaches to investigate their ubiquitin profiles, proteasome functions and advanced imaging technologies, like volumetric EM, to understand the cause of this failure to transform morphology.

Candidates will have (or be about to be awarded) a PhD in biological sciences, and a track record of related research achievements. Knowledge of ubiquitin biology and/or spermatogenesis are highly desirable. We seek collegiate applicants who are committed to fostering a positive and inclusive research culture.

The Department of Pathology is a very active research and teaching department in the School of Biological Sciences.  We offer modern laboratory spaces, flow cytometry, imaging, histology, proteomics and sequencing facilities in the centre of Cambridge. We host an external seminar series as well as internal talks, journal clubs, and a Department annual symposiumThere are approximately 40 research groups spanning a wide array of disciplines, including infectious and genetic diseases, immunology and cancer biology. Additional information can be found at www.path.cam.ac.uk/research

This is a fixed term post for 3 years from date of appointment.

Please upload:

• Your CV, including any publications and a narrative description (300 words maximum per output) on each of the three outputs you consider most significant. The Department of Pathology is committed to the responsible use of bibliometrics, and you are asked not to include raw citation counts, Journal Impact Factors or H-index metrics in your application.
• A covering letter setting out why you are applying and how you match the criteria for the post.
• Please provide the names of two  academic referees, one of which should be your most recent supervisor, and their contact details, including email address.

The closing date for applications is 21^st August 2023.

The selection panel will meet soon after the closing date in order to produce a short-list; references will then be solicited. Short-listed candidates will be invited to attend a formal interview which is expected to take place in person in September 2023.

We expect the position to be filled by 1^st November 2023.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.