The Kothe group (https://kothegroup.ca/) investigates how functional RNAs are generated in the cell. Specifically, we decipher the interplay of RNA modification with transcription, RNA folding, and RNA processing and how the integration of these processes enhances the functionality of RNAs for protein synthesis. Our research uncovers fundamental biological processes and identifies disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

We are looking for postdoctoral fellow to study H/ACA snoRNPs that introduce pseudouridine modifications into ribosomal RNA (rRNA) during the early phases of ribosome synthesis. Additionally, H/ACA snoRNPs are involved in rRNA processing and folding. We want to gain deeper insight into these processes because ribosome synthesis is up-regulated in all cancers and dys-regulated in several inherited diseases including Dyskeratosis congenita.

The postdoctoral fellow will integrate biochemical and biophysical techniques to characterize the interaction of H/ACA snoRNPs with rRNA. This biochemical approach will be complemented with molecular biology and RNA sequencing to expand our understanding of H/ACA snoRNP function in vivo.

Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in biochemistry in the last 2.5 years and should have an excellent understanding of biomolecular structure and function. It is expected that applicants have prior research experience in biochemistry including protein purification and characterization.

Interested candidates should contact Professor Ute Kothe at [email protected] including a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae as well as contact information or 2-3 references.