Vitamin K-dependent factors in cell death and proliferation

Job summary

1. A postdoctoral position is available in Professor Pablo García de Frutos laboratory. The position involves working wit a team of scientists studying cellular interactions of the vitamin K-dependent factors GAS6 and protein S with membrane receptors on endothelial cells, leukocytes and platelets

The programme is a continuation of work recently published in Blood 2008, 111: 4096, Hepatology in press, which has provided a new function of GAS6 as regulator on inflammatory processes.

Briefly, our group has been interested in the biology of plasma factors interacting with basic cellular processes as proliferation, apoptosis and activation under inflammatory stimuli.

The purpose of this programme of work will be to understand the biology of GAS6 in the context of the physiological response to damage.

2. The project is likely to involve some or all of the following techniques:

• FACs
• microscopy, including confocal microscopy
• biochemical techniques (protein expression and purification)
• molecular biology techniques
• mice models

Main Duties

To conduct research investigating vitamin K dependent functions related to mechanisms of response to stress.

Duties and Responsabilities

• To contribute to the design and planning of experiments in relation to this project
• To develop a thorough understanding of the research field and be involved in the intellectual decision making process required for successful completion of the project
• To set up and run experiments in consultation with the Principal Investigator
• To record, analyse and write up the results of experiments and ensure that laboratory notebooks are kept fully up to date as a formal record of the research
• To prepare and present findings of research to the Principal Investigator and other members of the centre
• To prepare progress reports on research
• The post holder may be required to perform some limited teaching and/or supervision of other members of staff and/or students, under the guidance of the Principal Investigator
• Responsible for ensuring that designated equipment is safe and maintained in good working order
• As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the post holder
• The post holder will carry out any other duties that are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job, as requested by the Principal Investigator

Person specification

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential:

• Undergraduate degree in a life science discipline
• PhD in an appropiate life science discipline

Desirable:

• Basic knowledge of molecular and cellular biology tools applied to mice models of human pathology.
• Publications in high impact factor peer reviewed journals

Skills

Essential:

• Abilitity to develop ideas logically and design experiments to test hypotheses
• Ability to modify and apply new methods to advance a project
• Ability to analyse and write up data for presentations and publications
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Record of delivering high quality research

Desirable:

• Research skills in FACs, cell culture, microscopy (tècniques)
• Expertise in biochemistry/molecular biology and/or immunology.
• Ability to direct junior members of the laboratory in simple laboratory procedures

Experience

Essential:

Experience of working in a research environment

Desirable:

Experience of multi-disciplinary working

Personal Qualities

Essential:

• Comitment to high quality research
• Ability to work effectively as part of the team
• Ability to work independently and to use own initiative when required

(Read eligibility criteria)