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**





For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Prof Peter Sarkies.





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**