Postdoctoral Research Associate

at  University of Oxford

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. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about advancing research into genetic disorders to help those affected.

A large, international, collaborative Research Centre, focused on using genomic methodologies to develop therapies for rare genetic disorders, has recently received substantial funding. A position is available for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in bioinformatics to join the research groups led by Prof Stephan Sanders and A/Prof Carlo Rinaldi at the University of Oxford. These two groups focus on genetic causes of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders with the goal of developing 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. Both labs have clinical expertise and work closely with families and individuals affected by rare genetic disorders.
Non-coding regulatory elements play a pivotal role in governing gene expression, and their disruption is increasingly recognized as a therapeutic target for disorders (e.g., genome editing in sickle cell disease). This is an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral scientist to help lead a project focusing on interrogating regulatory element function in the context of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, with the goal of precisely modulating 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). Analyses will be performed on collaborative cloud computing environments using the extensive computing infrastructure and programmer support provided 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 the University of Oxford in the adjacent laboratories of Prof Stephan Sanders and A/Prof Carlo Rinaldi. She/he will be supported by their existing collaborative teams that include data managers, 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.
Diversity is a core value of our university, department, institute, and research groups. We encourage applications from trainees of all backgrounds.