Postdoctoral Research Associate

Faculty of Health & Life Sciences

This new full time post is available immediately on a 15 month fixed term basis.

Summary of the role

We are seeking an enthusiastic researcher with a background in cell biology and/or genetics to join a world-leading team of researchers to study the genetic basis of diabetes and related conditions. The position is available on fixed term basis for 15 months from May 2024.

The successful applicant will be working alongside Dr Elisa De Franco in the world leading Exeter diabetes genetics group to further our understanding of known and novel genetic causes of neonatal diabetes. Through the investigation of genome sequencing data of individuals born with diabetes, the Exeter team has discovered >20 genes that cause the disease and more candidate genes are being investigated. The position will involve generation and analysis of genomic data in patients and cellular models to define the role played by these genes in beta cell function and development. The successful applicant will work collaboratively with a world leading team of bioinformaticians, molecular geneticists and clinicians working in monogenic diabetes and polygenic diabetes (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/diabetes/ ).

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

The successful applicant will possess a relevant PhD (or be nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Relevant experience in the field of stem cell or beta cell biology is essential. Experience of analysing genomic data or clinical, or experience working in the diabetes field are also desirable.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024).  We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.  More than 99 percent

 of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. 

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Further information

For further information please contact Dr Elisa De Franco, e-mail [email protected] .

Interviews are expected to take place the first week of May.