Unit Vacancies
Research Technician
We are seeking to recruit a self-motivated and experienced research technician within a new programme of research working with Dr Irene Aligianis, MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh. Dr Aligianis is a clinical scientist and is in the process of establishing her group investigating the role of Rab proteins in brain and eye development. This project focuses on investigating the pathogenesis of Micro (OMIM60018) and Martsolf (OMIM 212720) syndromes. Children affected with these autosomal recessive disorders have complex eye and brain developmental problems and neurodeneration.
Qualifications
Candidates with relevant cell biology/biochemistry or experience in model organisms are encouraged to apply. Additional training will be provided to complement the candidates experience for this project.
The Human Genetics Unit has facilities and expertise in a wide range of disciplines; more information on the research in the Unit can be found on our unit research pages.
The appointment will be to a Band 4 salary range from £25,622 - £31,358 per annum. We offer optional membership to the MRC pension scheme and excellent training and development opportunities as well as a generous holiday entitlement.
If you do not have internet access or experience technical difficulties, please contact:
MRC Shared Service Centre
T: 01793 301159
quoting reference number HGU09/588.
Informal enquiries can be made to
Applications for this role must be made online at http://jobs.mrc.ac.uk.
If you would like to receive this advert in large print, Braille, audio or electronic format/hard copy, please contact the Recruitment team at the MRC Shared Service Centre on the telephone number above or email recruitment@ssc.mrc.ac.uk
Research Technician
- Job Description
- Person Specification
Ref: HGU09/588
Closed: 30 November 2009
Research objectives
Dr Aligianis identified that mutations in genes encoding the RAB3GAP1 cause Micro syndrome (OMIM60018) and RAB3GAP2 cause Martsolf (OMIM 212720) syndromes. (Nat Genet. 2005 Mar;37(3):221-3; Am J Hum Genet. 2006 Apr;78(4):702-7). RAB3GAP1/2 encode the catalytic and noncatalytic subunits of the heterodimeric enzyme Rab3GAP. RAB3GAP however is a GAP protein that has been shown previously to specifically regulate the Rab3 pathway, which is implicated in regulating neurotransmitter and hormone release. Although there is a clear role for the Rab3 pathway in cognition none of the effectors or regulators in this pathway have been involved in structural eye and brain developmental abnormalities such as those seen in Micro syndrome. We have recently identified that mutations in a different gene (MICRO3) cause the same disorder. This is particularly exciting as this is a poorly characterised protein whose role in trafficking is currently unclear. It has not been linked to the Rab3 pathway and its role in the brain and eye is just beginning to be explored.
The purpose of this post will be to investigate the function of this new Micro protein on a cellular level and by investigating the protein network in which this gene functions and its relationship to the RAB3GAP1/2 genes. In addition the role of these proteins in eye and brain development will be evaluated in development using model organisms.