We currently have a vacancy in our lab group for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work on our Marsden-funded project, “Dissecting the Role of Mitochondrial DNA Mutations on Phenotype and Fitness Using Cutting-Edge Mitochondrial Base Editors”. This Marsden grant is headed by Professor Neil Gemmell in collaboration with Professor Damian Dowling (Monash University, Australia) and Professors Alex Withworth and Michal Minczuk (Cambridge, UK).
Project Summary: Mitochondria are essential to all eukaryotic life (fungi, protists, plants, and animals). They reside within our cells and serve many functions but are best known for their role in cellular energy production. Normal mitochondrial function is achieved through the cooperative interaction of two genomes: one nuclear and one specific to the mitochondria (mtDNA). In humans and other species, mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been implicated in degenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, ageing, cancer, and infertility. Despite the growing appreciation of the importance of mtDNA, few studies have yet determined how much of an organism’s physical characteristics (phenotype) are governed by the mitochondrial versus the nuclear genome, and our understanding of the wider roles of mtDNA on organismal fitness and health is surprisingly sparse. Here, we will combine cutting-edge mitochondrial DNA editing approaches with the genetic tractability of the fruit fly (Drosophila), to determine the importance of mtDNA mutations on metabolism, fertility, longevity, and behaviour. Our work will enhance our understanding of the role of the mitochondrial genome on fitness, health, and ageing, potentially leading to new treatments for devastating mtDNA diseases and disorders, improvements in health and longevity, and the identification of new targets for genetic biocontrol.
We are seeking candidates who are self-motivated, with high ethical standards of work and strong problem-solving skills.
The successful candidate will also have:
• A PhD in genetics, neuroscience, molecular biology, or similar.
• A publication record consistent with that of an active researcher performing at a high level for career stage.
• Demonstrated excellent time management, communication (written and oral), organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in all routine molecular genetic techniques, with knowledge of next generation sequencing, transcriptomics and gene expression analysis essential.
• Knowledge of mtDNA editing approaches would be extremely advantageous.
• Experience in database management, statistical and genetic analyses.
• Accurate record-keeping and attention to detail.
• The ability to work without direct supervision, set priorities and allocate own timetable.
• The ability to work well within in a team environment and help create a collegial, supportive, inclusive and motivating environment for staff and students.
• Proven ability to work well with students and staff from differing academic and cultural backgrounds.
• Experience with postgraduate student supervision would be advantageous.
Further details can be found on the University of Otago current vacancies page (Postdoctoral Fellow – Anatomy); https://otago.taleo.net/careersection/2/joblist.ftl?lang=en
Informal enquiries can be made to neil.gemmell@otago.ac.nz