Duties and Responsibilities

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow to join the Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, in the group of Ferdinand Marltaz affiliated with the Centre for Lifes Origins and evolution (CLOE). Recently established, the lab is focused on tracing back the origin of new genes and new regulatory mechanisms to understand the regulatory and genomic bases of organismal novelties. We use a combination of comparative genomics and regulatory profiling techniques. We are interested in developing phylogenetic comparative methods coping with new classes of functional genomics datasets describing chromatin state and cellular resolution gene expression.

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher interested in investigating the genomic underpinnings of the emergence of novel body plans. Our main research model is echinoderms who possess a unique pentaradial body symmetry secondarily acquired among bilaterian animals. To understand how this took place, the role holder will use a combination of experimental and computational approaches to characterise the regulatory events that underline gene expression and patterning during larval metamorphosis.

The post is funded by a BBSRC grant until 30/09/24 in the first instance.

Key Requirements

PhD in biology with relevant experience in at least one of the following domains is essential (i) good knowledge of molecular biology and experience with functional genomics and regulatory profiling techniques, (HiC, HiChip, ATAC-seq) (ii) experience with echinoderms or other non-model system embryology, microinjection and cis-regulatory analysis (iii) experience with computational and comparative genomics and/or functional genomics data analysis and visualisation (R, python, julia). We are also seeking an independent thinking individual with good scientific communication skills and experience writing papers who will play an essential role in establishing the new research lab and supervise an undergraduate or graduate student(s) in a dynamic research environment.

PhD in biology with relevant experience as specified.

Please note: Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B (Salary 32,217 – 33,958 per annum, including London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis (including corrections).

Further Details

A job description and person specification, can be accessed at the bottom of this page. Please ensure you read these carefully before applying for the post.

To apply for the vacancy please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below.

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Ferdinand Marltaz at f.marletaz@ucl.ac.uk.

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Biosciences staffing on biosciences.staffing@ucl.ac.uk quoting the vacancy reference number: 1881898.

UCL Taking Action for Equality

We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.

Closing Date

6 Mar 2022

Latest time for the submission of applications

23:59

Interview date

TBC

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Support Staff.

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