Postdoctoral Research Associate

**About the role**





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.





**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.





**Application Process**



You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your
online application. We recommend that the supporting statement is formatted as
a one or two page letter addressed to ‘Drs. Sanders and Rinaldi’ that
describes: 1) how your skills and experience meet each of the selection
criteria for the post, 2) reason for interest in this field of research, and
3) explanations for career breaks (e.g., time out to care for dependents),
dramatic shifts in field of research, substantive prior postdoctoral work, or
similar. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective
Supporting Statement.





This role meets the criteria for a UK Skilled Worker visa.





To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Carlo Rinaldi at
carlo.rinaldi@idrm.ox.ac.uk and/or Stephan Sanders at
stephan.sanders@idrm.ox.ac.uk .





Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 27th August 2024 will
be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.





This is a readvertisement of 171222. Previous applicants need not apply.