Research Fellow London, England
Job description
About us
Biosciences is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the lab of Ferdinand Marlétaz.
We are in investigating the genomic and regulatory principles governing the emergence of novel body plans in animals using a combination of computation and experimental (functional genomics) approaches. We want to understand what regulatory and evolutionary constraints are affecting the evolution of gene order and explain the maintenance and divergence of chromosomal architectures in animals and what the impact for reconstructing the tree of life could be. We use several research models including several echinoderm species available in the lab, such as sea urchins, sea stars and feather stars, as well as more exotic organisms collected at sea. For more details, please see our lab website: http://fmarletaz.github.io
About the role
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher interested in studying and understanding animal diversity using multidisciplinary approaches, with a focus on either computation or experimental methods, or both. We are particularly seeking candidates with experience with functional genomics and chromatin technologies (Hi-C, Cut-and-Tag, HiChip) and the associated computational tools associated with these approaches. Familiarity with embryology approaches and cis-regulatory analysis of model or non-model systems would also be highly desirable. Knowledge of phylogenetics/phylogenomics would also be highly valued. Overall, we are open-minded and ready to support independent-thinking individuals with strong research ideas and good scientific communication skills and paper writing experience. The individual will also supervise an undergraduate or graduate student(s) in a dynamic research environment. The Department of Genetics, Ecology and Evolution at UCL and the Centre for Life’s Origin and Evolution are supportive environments to pursue such research program with state-of-the-art facilities (computational, imaging, marine aquarium).
This role is funded by a BBSRC grant and is an open-ended contract with a funding end date of 30/09/2024 in the first instance.
Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary £35,702 - £37,548 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.
Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.
A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
If you have any queries about the role, please contact Ferdinand Marlétaz at [email protected].
If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact Biosciences staffing at [email protected].
About you
You must have a PhD or be finishing one in a field related to the aforementioned topics (bioinformatics, developmental biology, genomics, etc…) Experience in two or more of the following domains would be essential (i) chromatin technologies (Hi-C, Cut-and-Tag, HiChip) (ii) computational analysis of functional genomics datasets (iii) phylogenomics and molecular dating (iv) comparative genomics (v) regulatory analysis and transgenesis of model or non-model species (vi) embryology of marine animals (in situ, imaging, etc). The primary goal will be to perform research and communicate results as scientific papers and in scientific presentations at local, national, and international conferences. There will be opportunities to be involved in student supervision and teaching if interested.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
On-Site nursery
On-site gym
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Discounted medical insurance
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.
These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here : https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
