Role of Gli-like transcription factors and core cilium in melanocyte development and melanoma phenotype switching

We are looking for a highly motivated and creative individual to join us as a PDRA within Dr Richard Mort’s group in the Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences at Lancaster University.

This MRC-funded position is part of a collaboration between the Mort and Shih groups at Lancaster University and Professor Pleasantine Mill at the University of Edinburgh. The position will be in collaboration with two other PDRAs also working on the project and based in Lancaster and Edinburgh.

Our groups are concerned with development, tissue homeostasis and diseases with an emphasis on skin and melanocyte lineage. We use live cell and tissue imaging and biosensors of cellular processes such as cell cycle progression combined with mathematical modeling and bioinformatics approaches (e.g. Riddell et al PLOS Biology, 2023, Wilkinson et al PCMR 2022, Mort et al Nature Comms 2016).

You must have a PhD in a relevant field, have a background in cell culture and molecular/cell biology techniques, and be interested in development and/or cancer. Must have experience working with mouse models and preferably hold a home office personal license. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with excellent communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively within a team and the ability to solve problems creatively.

This is a fixed term position at 1.0 FTE for 28 months.

The Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences, within the Faculty of Health and Medicine at Lancaster University, is a rapidly growing department whose research efforts are directed towards understanding the basic cellular and physiological mechanisms that underpin disease states. It provides a friendly, research environment that strongly supports the individual needs of each employee and actively promotes a healthy work-life balance. The College is committed to flexible, family-friendly working policies and has been awarded a Silver Athena SWAN Award since 2014 in recognition of its good recruitment practices to address gender equality in higher education and research.

We welcome informal inquiries. Please contact Dr. Richard Mort: r.mort@lancaster.ac.uk.

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups and are happy to consider applications for flexible working.