POST-DOCTORAL SCIENTIST
MOLECULAR GENETICS OF NEMATODE GLOBINS
Institute of Cell, Animal and Population Biology, University of Edinburgh
Nematodes express a number of globin isoforms which have remarkable
properties (see Blaxter, Parasitology Today 9:353-360 [1993]). =
This
project will use recombinant protein expression, transgenic and knockout
C.=A0elegans and crystallography to investigate the structure, function=
and
evolution of these proteins.
The free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been chosen as=
a
powerful model system for genetic and molecular analyses of neurobiology
and development. It is now arguably the best known metazoan organism.=
=20
While often described as a model for eg the human genome project,=
it is
also an excellent model nematode. Serendipitously, C. elegans has=
been
shown to have a globin gene, but nothing is yet known of its function=
or
significance to the life of this soil nematode. This project will=
use C.
elegans as a testbed for the analysis of parasite globins in much=
the same
way as it has been used to examine cellular interactions in development=
or
nervous system function. In particular, as it is possible to introduce
foreign genes into the C. elegans germline to create transgenic worms,=
we
propose to construct C. elegans strains in which the parasite globins
replace the endogenous ones. The function of the parasite genes=
can then
be assayed in vivo but in the absence of the parasite.
The successful applicant will be joining a research group in nematode
genetics and molecular biology being set up by Dr. M.L. Blaxter who=
is
taking up the position of Lecturer in Nematode Genetics at the Institute=
of
Cell, Animal and Population Biology in Edinburgh from August 1995.
I am seeking an experienced and independent postdoctoral worker (starting
salary AR1A, point 9 [=A317,813 pa]) to join my research group in=
nematode
genetics and molecular biology The post is available for three years=
from
1 August 1995.. Experience in molecular biology and protein biochemistry
will be essential, and familiarity with C.elegans an advantage.
Interested applicants should write, enclosing a cv and names of 2=
referees, to
Dr. M.L. Blaxter, Department of Biology, Imperial College, London=
SW7 2BB.
Informal enquiries will also be welcome:
e-mail to m.blaxter at ic.ac.uk
telephone +44 (0)171 594 5414
Closing date May 1st 1995.
