Jonathan Pettitt

Professor Jonathan Pettitt is a faculty member at the University of Aberdeen, holding a Personal Chair in the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition. He leads a research group focused on RNA processing mechanisms using C. elegans as a model organism, with significant implications for understanding and treating parasitic nematodes.

• BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry, Imperial College London (1988)
• PhD, University of Cambridge (1992), studying collagen genes in Ascaris suum
• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Colorado, Boulder (HFSPO Fellowship)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Netherlands Cancer Institute (EMBO Fellowship)

His research centers on spliced leader trans-splicing and cap-adjacent RNA methylation, both critical processes in gene expression. His lab aims to exploit nematode-specific molecular mechanisms for therapeutic development. He also contributes to public discourse on genetics through The Conversation.

The recent publications reflect a strong focus on RNA processing, trans-splicing mechanisms, and nematode molecular biology, with increasing integration of bioinformatics and public understanding of science. His work combines genetic screens, molecular biology, and computational analysis to uncover fundamental biological processes.

His scientific awards include:

• HFSPO Long-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship
• EMBO Fellowship

Professor Pettitt has secured ongoing funding from the BBSRC (2020–2023) for research on a 'nematode molecular Achilles' heel,' indicating active grant support. He collaborates widely, particularly with B. Müller and B. Connolly, and has mentored numerous early-career researchers, evident through co-authorship on key publications. He is a central figure in the Aberdeen Worm Lab (aberdeenwormlab.org), which fosters collaborative research in nematode genetics.