Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Molecular Mechanisms of Eukaryotic Transcription

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:

• 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

We particularly welcome applicants who are excited by interdisciplinary research and interested in learning new approaches. Experience in every technique is not required. What matters most is scientific curiosity, experimental creativity and the ability to tackle challenging biological questions.

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.

If you are excited by understanding how molecular events at RNA polymerase II are translated into accurate and dynamic patterns of gene expression, we would be delighted to hear from you.

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.