Open post-doc position Starting 2014 : Molecular mechanisms of selective autophagy during ageing

Advances in modern medicine have led to a significant increase in human life expectancy. A consequence of this has been the increase of the frequency of ageing-related diseases. Recent studies have indicated that a breakdown of the autophagy system in cells is involved in the development of ageing-related diseases. Autophagy describes the essential process of cellular self-eating. Cells use autophagy to generate materials and energy when conditions become unfavourable. They also use this process to clear damaged cellular components. Initially it was thought that autophagy was a random process but there is growing evidence it is accomplished in a highly controlled, selective and specific manner. We will use the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a genetically modifiable model organism to investigate autophagy during ageing and how it can contribute to the selective disposal of damaged and potentially toxic cellular material which may be the cause of ageing.

You will join the laboratory of Dr Ioannis P. Nezis in the School of Life Sciences at University of Warwick and make a positive contribution to his research that aims to understand the molecular mechanisms of selective autophagy during ageing in Drosophila.

You will have a PhD in molecular cell biology/biochemistry or developmental genetics as evidenced from authored papers in peer-reviewed journals. Experience of working with Drosophila and knowledge of bioinformatics will be an advantage. Please include a full CV, a covering letter and the names of at least 2 referees with your application form explaining how your skills meet the requirements, what you can bring to the post and why the post interests you.

DEADLINE : 14/2/2014

BBSRC is covering the salary for up to 3 years (£27,854 – £36,298)
Enquiries: Dr Ioannis P. Nezis (I.Nezis@warwick.ac.uk; tel: +44 (0) 2476
150400)