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University of Sussex
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Molecular Mechanisms of Eukaryotic Transcription Ref: 44238
Brighton On-site 2-5 yrs exp
Molecular BiologyRNA Polymerase II TranscriptionTranscriptional RegulationRNA ProcessingRNA Analysis
Requirements
A PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, genomics, or a related discipline is required. Applicants should bring relevant expertise in areas such as transcription, RNA biology, phosphorylation, molecular or cellular biology, functional genomics, structural biology, or proteomics, along with scientific curiosity and collaborative skills.
Job Description
About The Role
We are seeking an ambitious and creative Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Vasiljeva Lab and investigate how phosphorylation regulates RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription, RNA processing and gene expression.
Our research addresses a fundamental question in molecular biology: how does RNA polymerase II coordinate transcription with the processing and maturation of newly synthesised RNA to ensure accurate gene expression? We are particularly interested in how reversible phosphorylation of transcription and RNA-processing factors acts as a regulatory mechanism to connect these processes.
The project will form part of a multidimensional research programme combining biochemistry, structural biology, cell biology, functional genomics and large-scale genetic approaches. Depending on your interests and expertise, you will have the opportunity to develop and combine complementary experimental approaches to address molecular mechanisms from the level of individual protein interactions through to genome-wide regulation.
You will join a collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment where we aim to understand how transcriptional regulation is integrated with RNA processing and genome function. The position offers considerable scope to develop your own ideas and expertise while contributing to a broader programme of research.
Our research
The Vasiljeva Lab investigates the mechanisms that coordinate transcription, RNA processing and RNA surveillance. Our recent work has revealed new mechanisms by which transcription factors and RNA-processing machineries communicate through regulated phosphorylation and protein–RNA interactions.
Recent Publications From The Lab Include
Ho, A., Southers, A., Kus, K., Schoemaker, N., Fournier, M., Audin, E., Kilchert, C., Grimes, J., and Vasiljeva, L. (2026) WDR82 Code Coordinates Transcription and pre-mRNA 3′-End Processing Through Regulated Phosphorylation. Nature Communications https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-77611-z
Kus, K., Carrique, L., Fournier, M., Audin, E., Kilchert, C., Grimes, J., and Vasiljeva, L. (2025) The role of DSIF factor Spt5 in coordinating Pol II processivity and Xrn2 exoribonucleolysis for timely termination of transcription. Nature Commun 16(1):10. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-55063-7.
Slade, L., Kus, K., Filipovic, M., Sarkies, P. and Vasiljeva, L. (2026) The Intergator complex couples Non-coding RNA biogenesis, mitochondrial function and innate immunity to control life and health span. BioRxiv, doi: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.04.18.719358 (in review)
Kus, K., Nielsen, S., Zenkin and Vasiljeva L. (2025) Conserved Pol II and RNA interacting protein is an anti-pausing transcription elongation factor. RNA. Oct 24:rna.080765.125. doi:10.1261/rna.080765.125
Heo, D.H., Kus, K., Grzechnik, P., Tan-Wong, S.M., Birot, A., Nielsen, S., Zenkin, N., and Vasiljeva L. (2021) Transcription and chromatin-based surveillance mechanism controls suppression of cryptic transcription. Cell Reports 36, 7, 10967.
Kecman, T., Kus, K., Heo, D. H., Birot, A., Mohamed, S., Geiss-Astggiante, L., Robinson C., and Vasiljeva, L. (2018) Elongation to termination factors exchange mediated by PP1 phosphatase orchestrate RNA polymerase II transcription termination. Cell Reports, 25(1):259-269.
Responsibilities
Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.
Undertaking RNA analysis, ChIP, TT-seq, and bioinformatic analysis of the data
Maintaining mammalian cell culture and generating degron-tagged cell lines.
Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols.
Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate.
Develop ideas for driving project forward and Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters.
Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment.
Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone
Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups
Embed the principles of mutual respect, equality, diversity, inclusivity and sustainability in all aspects of your work; undertake training as and when asked to do so.
About You
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with a PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, genomics or a related discipline.
You may have expertise in one or more of the following areas:
You will be expected to design and conduct experiments, analyse and interpret data, contribute to publications and presentations, and work collaboratively within the research team. You will also have opportunities to develop your own scientific ideas and build the skills needed for your future independent research career.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to work at the interface of transcription, RNA biology and gene regulation, addressing fundamental questions using a combination of molecular, cellular and genome-wide approaches.
You Will Benefit From
About The Vasiljeva Lab
Find out more about our research and team:
www.vasilievalab.com/team-4
About Our School
In the School of Life Sciences we strive to understand the mechanisms that drive biological and chemical processes and to develop innovative and diverse approaches to enhance human health, technology and the environment. We undertake multidisciplinary research, teaching and engagement across a wide range of subjects, from Chemistry through Cellular and Molecular Biosciences to Conservation Biology.
The School comprises five Departments: Biochemistry & Biomedicine, Genome Damage and Stability Centre, Neuroscience, Ecology & Evolution and Chemistry. We also house the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre which works to deliver the bench-to-bedside translation of our discoveries. The breadth and depth of our cutting-edge research and innovative teaching practice is delivered by a diverse community who work across boundaries to deliver excellence, engage with real world problems and produce impact.
We pride ourselves on our world-leading research and have a strong research economy, with approximately 50% of our income stemming from research and an active grant portfolio of over £50 million. We host or form part of three University Centres of Excellence: the Genome Damage and Stability Centre, Sussex Neuroscience and Sussex Sustainability Research Programme. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, 90.6 % of our Biological Sciences outputs and 84.8% of our Chemistry outputs were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. We are proud that in both areas, 100% of our Impact cases were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.
The School is committed to the University’s core values of kindness, integrity, inclusion, collaboration and courage. We believe that equality, diversity and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility and aim to provide a friendly and supportive environment for all who work, study and visit the School of Life Sciences.
Please find further information regarding the School of Life Sciences on our website.
The School of Life Sciences is proud to hold a Silver Athena Swan Award.
Why work here
Our university is situated off the A27, next to the beautiful South Downs where you will enjoy everything that our 150-acre campus has to offer. We are accessible by public transport; Falmer train station is a five-minute walk to campus and several bus stops are located within campus. We also have dedicated cycling paths and encourage our staff to use these with our offering of a cycle to work scheme.
Sussex is a renowned, multi-accredited, research-led International University and this is only possible because of the people that work here. Whether you are a member of Faculty, part of a Professional Services team or a Student, it’s our people that make us great and we want you to be part of that.
Find Out More About Our Reward And Benefits Package.
Find out about our equality, diversity and inclusion.
Further Key Information
Please contact Lidia Vasilieva (L.V.Vasilieva@sussex.ac.uk) for informal enquiries.
The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Eligibility
Visa Sponsorship Queries: This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. The assigned SOC code is 2119 and the going rate is £41,700. Eligibility for sponsorship will depend on the salary offered, or whether a candidate can make use of tradeable points to meet the salary threshold.
The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.
We are seeking an ambitious and creative Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Vasiljeva Lab and investigate how phosphorylation regulates RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription, RNA processing and gene expression.
Our research addresses a fundamental question in molecular biology: how does RNA polymerase II coordinate transcription with the processing and maturation of newly synthesised RNA to ensure accurate gene expression? We are particularly interested in how reversible phosphorylation of transcription and RNA-processing factors acts as a regulatory mechanism to connect these processes.
The project will form part of a multidimensional research programme combining biochemistry, structural biology, cell biology, functional genomics and large-scale genetic approaches. Depending on your interests and expertise, you will have the opportunity to develop and combine complementary experimental approaches to address molecular mechanisms from the level of individual protein interactions through to genome-wide regulation.
You will join a collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment where we aim to understand how transcriptional regulation is integrated with RNA processing and genome function. The position offers considerable scope to develop your own ideas and expertise while contributing to a broader programme of research.
Our research
The Vasiljeva Lab investigates the mechanisms that coordinate transcription, RNA processing and RNA surveillance. Our recent work has revealed new mechanisms by which transcription factors and RNA-processing machineries communicate through regulated phosphorylation and protein–RNA interactions.
Recent Publications From The Lab Include
Ho, A., Southers, A., Kus, K., Schoemaker, N., Fournier, M., Audin, E., Kilchert, C., Grimes, J., and Vasiljeva, L. (2026) WDR82 Code Coordinates Transcription and pre-mRNA 3′-End Processing Through Regulated Phosphorylation. Nature Communications https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-77611-z
Kus, K., Carrique, L., Fournier, M., Audin, E., Kilchert, C., Grimes, J., and Vasiljeva, L. (2025) The role of DSIF factor Spt5 in coordinating Pol II processivity and Xrn2 exoribonucleolysis for timely termination of transcription. Nature Commun 16(1):10. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-55063-7.
Slade, L., Kus, K., Filipovic, M., Sarkies, P. and Vasiljeva, L. (2026) The Intergator complex couples Non-coding RNA biogenesis, mitochondrial function and innate immunity to control life and health span. BioRxiv, doi: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.04.18.719358 (in review)
Kus, K., Nielsen, S., Zenkin and Vasiljeva L. (2025) Conserved Pol II and RNA interacting protein is an anti-pausing transcription elongation factor. RNA. Oct 24:rna.080765.125. doi:10.1261/rna.080765.125
Heo, D.H., Kus, K., Grzechnik, P., Tan-Wong, S.M., Birot, A., Nielsen, S., Zenkin, N., and Vasiljeva L. (2021) Transcription and chromatin-based surveillance mechanism controls suppression of cryptic transcription. Cell Reports 36, 7, 10967.
Kecman, T., Kus, K., Heo, D. H., Birot, A., Mohamed, S., Geiss-Astggiante, L., Robinson C., and Vasiljeva, L. (2018) Elongation to termination factors exchange mediated by PP1 phosphatase orchestrate RNA polymerase II transcription termination. Cell Reports, 25(1):259-269.
Responsibilities
Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.
Undertaking RNA analysis, ChIP, TT-seq, and bioinformatic analysis of the data
Maintaining mammalian cell culture and generating degron-tagged cell lines.
Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols.
Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate.
Develop ideas for driving project forward and Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters.
Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment.
Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone
Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups
Embed the principles of mutual respect, equality, diversity, inclusivity and sustainability in all aspects of your work; undertake training as and when asked to do so.
About You
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with a PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, genomics or a related discipline.
You may have expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- RNA polymerase II transcription and transcriptional regulation
- RNA processing, RNA surveillance or RNA metabolism
- Protein phosphorylation and post-translational regulation
- Molecular or cellular biology
- Biochemistry and protein–RNA/protein–protein interactions
- Functional genomics, genetics or genome-wide approaches
- Structural biology or quantitative proteomics
You will be expected to design and conduct experiments, analyse and interpret data, contribute to publications and presentations, and work collaboratively within the research team. You will also have opportunities to develop your own scientific ideas and build the skills needed for your future independent research career.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to work at the interface of transcription, RNA biology and gene regulation, addressing fundamental questions using a combination of molecular, cellular and genome-wide approaches.
You Will Benefit From
- a strong and internationally visible research programme in transcription and RNA biology;
- access to a broad range of biochemical, genomic and cellular approaches;
- a collaborative environment spanning molecular mechanisms to genome-wide regulation;
- opportunities to develop new technical expertise and independent research ideas;
- close interaction with researchers working across transcription, RNA processing, chromatin and genome regulation;
- an environment that values collaboration, scientific creativity and rigorous mechanistic research.
About The Vasiljeva Lab
Find out more about our research and team:
www.vasilievalab.com/team-4
About Our School
In the School of Life Sciences we strive to understand the mechanisms that drive biological and chemical processes and to develop innovative and diverse approaches to enhance human health, technology and the environment. We undertake multidisciplinary research, teaching and engagement across a wide range of subjects, from Chemistry through Cellular and Molecular Biosciences to Conservation Biology.
The School comprises five Departments: Biochemistry & Biomedicine, Genome Damage and Stability Centre, Neuroscience, Ecology & Evolution and Chemistry. We also house the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre which works to deliver the bench-to-bedside translation of our discoveries. The breadth and depth of our cutting-edge research and innovative teaching practice is delivered by a diverse community who work across boundaries to deliver excellence, engage with real world problems and produce impact.
We pride ourselves on our world-leading research and have a strong research economy, with approximately 50% of our income stemming from research and an active grant portfolio of over £50 million. We host or form part of three University Centres of Excellence: the Genome Damage and Stability Centre, Sussex Neuroscience and Sussex Sustainability Research Programme. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, 90.6 % of our Biological Sciences outputs and 84.8% of our Chemistry outputs were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. We are proud that in both areas, 100% of our Impact cases were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.
The School is committed to the University’s core values of kindness, integrity, inclusion, collaboration and courage. We believe that equality, diversity and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility and aim to provide a friendly and supportive environment for all who work, study and visit the School of Life Sciences.
Please find further information regarding the School of Life Sciences on our website.
The School of Life Sciences is proud to hold a Silver Athena Swan Award.
Why work here
Our university is situated off the A27, next to the beautiful South Downs where you will enjoy everything that our 150-acre campus has to offer. We are accessible by public transport; Falmer train station is a five-minute walk to campus and several bus stops are located within campus. We also have dedicated cycling paths and encourage our staff to use these with our offering of a cycle to work scheme.
Sussex is a renowned, multi-accredited, research-led International University and this is only possible because of the people that work here. Whether you are a member of Faculty, part of a Professional Services team or a Student, it’s our people that make us great and we want you to be part of that.
Find Out More About Our Reward And Benefits Package.
Find out about our equality, diversity and inclusion.
Further Key Information
Please contact Lidia Vasilieva (L.V.Vasilieva@sussex.ac.uk) for informal enquiries.
The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Eligibility
Visa Sponsorship Queries: This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. The assigned SOC code is 2119 and the going rate is £41,700. Eligibility for sponsorship will depend on the salary offered, or whether a candidate can make use of tradeable points to meet the salary threshold.
The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.
Education
Postgraduate Degree
Skills
Molecular BiologyRNA Polymerase II TranscriptionTranscriptional RegulationRNA ProcessingRNA AnalysisChromatin ImmunoprecipitationTT-SeqBioinformaticsMammalian Cell CultureDegron-Tagged Cell Line GenerationBiochemistryProtein-RNA InteractionsProtein-Protein InteractionsFunctional GenomicsGeneticsData Analysis