Postdoctoral Researcher – Intact and Native Top-Down Mass Spectrometry of Transfer RNAs (SNSF-funded project)

Description

Offer Description: Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are among the most extensively modified biomolecules in nature, yet how combinations of modifications influence their structure, stability, and function remains poorly understood. This project aims to characterize tRNA modification patterns at the intact level and investigate how these influence tRNA stability. Conducted jointly between the laboratories of Prof. Valérie Gabelica and Prof. Ramesh Pillai at the University of Geneva, it combines RNA biology with native and top-down mass spectrometry to address fundamental questions in epitranscriptomics. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and application of advanced native, ion mobility, and top-down mass spectrometry methods for the characterization of intact tRNA isoforms and their modification states. Research will integrate expertise in RNA biology and analytical chemistry to investigate the relationship between RNA modifications, structure, and stability. The position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation until 30 September 2029. Requirements: Research Field Chemistry » Biochemistry Education Level PhD or equivalent Research Field Biological sciences » Other Education Level PhD or equivalent Research Field Chemistry » Analytical chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalent Research Field Physics » Biophysics Education Level PhD or equivalent Skills/Qualifications We seek a highly motivated candidate holding a PhD degree in RNA Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, or a related discipline. Experience with RNA extraction and purification is required. Candidates should have a strong interest in bridging RNA biology and mass spectrometry. Experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered an asset: RNA modifications Epitranscriptomics RNA in vitro transcription Mass spectrometry Nucleic acid characterization Structural biology Biophysics Bioinformatics Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent Internal Application form(s) needed Form_call2027_LASTNAME_0.pdf English (291.93 KB - PDF) Download Additional Information: Benefits The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research environment bringing together expertise in RNA biology, epitranscriptomics, and advanced mass spectrometry. The laboratory provides access to state-of-the-art instrumentation for native mass spectrometry, ion mobility spectrometry, and advanced tandem mass spectrometry. Researchers will have opportunities to collaborate with leading experts in RNA biology, present their work at international conferences, and develop expertise at the interface of molecular biology and analytical chemistry. Salary and employment conditions follow the regulations of the University of Geneva and depend on the candidate's experience and qualification level. Eligibility criteria Applicants must hold a PhD degree before the starting date. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required. Selection process Applications must strictly comply with the application instructions provided in the FORM, and include all requested documents. Applications that are incomplete, do not follow the required format, exceed the requested length limitations, or do not clearly identify the selected project will not be considered further. Review of applications will begin on 15 November 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview and, where feasible, to a final on-site interview. References may be contacted before the final selection.

Sectors

Source

Source: euraxess.ec.europa.eu