Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the role

A position is available for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in bioinformatics to join the research groups led by a/Prof Carlo Rinaldi and Prof Stephan Sanders at the University of Oxford. The groups focus on genetic causes of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders with the goal to develop cutting-edge genetic therapies for these disorders with bench-to-bedside programs that include bioinformatics, functional genomics, therapeutic development, stem cell modelling, and clinical trials.

Enhancers play a pivotal role in governing gene expression, and their disruption is increasingly recognized as a therapeutic target for disorders. This is an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral scientist to help lead a project focusing on interrogating enhancer function in the context of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, with the goal of precisely modulate enhancer activity to offer treatment opportunities for these disorders via modulating gene expression. The project will apply a wide variety of bioinformatic and statistical techniques to bulk and single nuclei functional genomic data generated by our teams (e.g., ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq). Analysis will be performed on collaborative cloud computing environments using the extensive computing infrastructure developed by the Sanders Lab informatics team.

The successful candidate will be involved with all aspects of the data processing analysis including experimental design, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination. The post holder will work at the newly built Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) at the Old Road/Churchill Campus of University of Oxford in the adjacent laboratories of A/Prof Carlo Rinaldi and Prof Stephan Sanders. She/he will be supported by their existing collaborative teams that include programmers, bioinformatic postdocs, PhD candidates, and research assistants.

Career Development: The post holder will be able to receive training in collaborating labs in order to benefit from interaction with researchers in diverse environments. She/he will be encouraged to attend training and research skill courses provided by the University of Oxford. There will be opportunities for contributing to and leading grant applications, if appropriate, as well as being encouraged to submit work for presentation at national and international conferences. In addition, experience gained by supervision and mentoring of junior members in the lab will be useful for career development. The successful applicant will be expected to provide guidance and assistance to other researchers in the group and students, help in the preparation of scientific publications, and represent the group at public engagement events.

About the applicant 

This is a highly collaborative position, so excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Applicants will need to hold a PhD or equivalent in Genetics, Biostatistics, Computational Biology, or a related subject. She/he will need to have demonstrated proficiency in computer programming (Python or R preferred), high-performance computing environments, human genetics, biostatistics, and/or bioinformatics leading to impactful publications and experiencing in analysing ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, or ATAC-seq data.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. 

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 02nd April 2024 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.