Postdoctoral Research Associate in chromatin-mediated gene regulation in parasitic nematodes

Pay Scale: STANDARD GRADE 7 

Salary (£): £36,024 - £44,263 per annum

Location: Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract for up to 3 years in the first instance

Hours: Full Time (37.5 hours per week) 

About the role

The Epigenetics and Evolution Team, led by Assistant Professor Peter Sarkies at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in computational biology to work on a new Wellcome Trust-funded project. You will join a multidisciplinary team based in Oxford and the University of Liverpool, which seeks to decipher the epigenomic basis of nematode parasitism. Parasitic nematodes cause an immense amount of harm to humans, livestock and crops, particularly in the developing world. Generating fundamental new knowledge of parasitic nematode biology is essential. This project will investigate how parasitic nematodes control their gene expression to switch on genes that are required for infection. We will analyse how chromatin structure and small RNAs control parasite gene clusters, using the nematode Strongyloides ratti as a model system.   You will computationally analyse data generated by the Liverpool team including ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, RNAseq and small RNAseq, to build up a genome-wide picture of how parasitic genes are controlled, using sophisticated data analysis techniques including machine learning to develop models of the chromatin landscape and how it is remodelled upon the transition to parasitism. This is an exciting opportunity for a computational biologist to develop new skills in data analysis and interpretation to help tackle a major problem with key implications for human health.   

This full-time fixed-term post is funded by the Wellcome Trust for up to 3 years in the first instance, with the possibility of further extension.

The actual starting salary offered will be based on qualifications and relevant skills acquired and will also be determined by the funding available.  

What We Offer

Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including: 

•       An excellent contributory pension scheme  

•       38 days annual leave 

•       A comprehensive range of childcare services 

•       Family leave schemes 

•       Cycle loan scheme 

•       Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs 

•       Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans 

The University also runs an enormous amount of social groups and sports clubs for those looking for more than just a great place to work.

About you 

You will hold a PhD/DPhil or be near completion of a PhD/DPhil, involving computational biology, bioinformatics or other computational methods and have knowledge of computational biology and genomics, including high-throughput sequencing data analysis.  Knowledge of fundamental molecular biology is essential together with the ability to manage your own academic research and associated activities.  You will have previous experience of contributing to publications and presentations and have the ability to contribute to ideas for new research projects and research income generation.  Excellent communication skills are expected with the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and represent the research group at meetings. 

Application Process

You will be required to upload a supporting statement, setting out how you meet the selection criteria, curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of three referees as part of your online  

Only applications received before 12 noon on Friday 16th February 2024 can be considered, with interviews for shortlisted candidates to be held as soon as possible thereafter.

Committed to equality and valuing diversity