MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS 1847

Overall purpose:

The Functional Gene Control group led by Dr Mikhail Spivakov combines experimental and computational approaches to study how genomic and epigenetic information is integrated with extrinsic signals to promote concerted changes in phenotype such as cell differentiation and activation. The group’s focus is on the function of distal DNA regulatory elements such as enhancers in these processes, and on human innate immune cells as experimental systems. The post holder will study the interplay between physical enhancer-promoter connectivity and function using high-throughput chromosomal conformation and/or CRISPR perturbation approaches, and lead the development of new methodologies to address these questions.

Job Summary

The post holders will lead independent and original research within the group, deliver the scientific aims of the projects and take an active role in preparing the results for publications in refereed journals. They will also help supervise students and contribute to the smooth running of the research group.

Main Responsibilities:

Plan and carry out research in accordance with agreed project aimsTake initiative in the planning of the research projectFormulate and test hypothesis to progress the research projectImplement state-of-the-art experimental and/or computational techniques for data generation, collection and analysisConduct data analysis ensuring its validity and reliability of data at all timesMaintain accurate and complete records of all findingsRun analyses and tests using specified and agreed techniques and modelsHelp with the smooth running, organization of the laboratory and ensuring that GLP and good data management are observed in all procedures directly related to the research projectPrioritise tasks within agreed work schedulesContribute to writing bids for research grantsAttend project and related research group meetingsActively interact and collaborate with researchers in related projectsWrite up and publish work arising from the projects in peer-reviewed journalsTake an active part in the academic activities of the LMSAttend and contribute to journal clubs and seminar presentationsPresent data at national and international meetings (where and when appropriate)Form good working relationships with other group members, as well as internal and external collaboratorsAssist others and co-supervise students when required

This is an MRC Postdoctoral Scientist position providing training and development supporting post-doctoral scientists in early or changed career paths helping establish them as successful research scientists in their chosen field.

Applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in either a numeric discipline (such as mathematics, statistics, physics or computer science) or a biomedical discipline. Ideally, they should have experience in both wet-lab and computational genomics research, although exceptional ‘wet-lab’- or computational-only candidates are also encouraged to apply. The candidates should be able to demonstrate their previous research output through publications, conference proceedings, preprints and/or open-source software. The successful candidate should also have the ability to develop and apply new concepts, have a creative approach to problem solving, and be able to write clearly and succinctly for publication.