Postdoctoral Research Associate in Insect Biology

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Department of
Biology on a collaborative project between the Fitz-James and McLean labs
investigating the molecular mechanisms of insect polyphenism.





Polyphenism is an extreme case of plasticity in which individuals can adopt
highly distinct phenotypic identities depending on environmental conditions.
One such case occurs in the pea aphid _Acyrthosiphon pisum_ , in which females
can develop into winged or non-winged morphs, triggered by crowding. Aphid
females reproduce parthenogenetically, highlighting the fact that these
phenotypic differences are due to epigenetic factors and representing a useful
system to study these differences in the absence of genetic variation. This
project will investigate the epigenetic signals that underpin aphid wing
polyphenism at the molecular level, using techniques such as ATAC-seq and
Cut&Run, coupled with gene expression analysis by RNA-seq.





You will be a highly motivated individual, with experience in molecular
biology research in aphids. You will be responsible for managing and carrying
out your own research project combining expertise between two groups within
the department. You will hold, or be close to completion, of a relevant PhD
and have experience analyzing high-throughput sequencing data. Excellent
communication skills and the ability to present your work and contribute to
publications is essential.





The post is advertised for an initial period of 1 year with a possibility of
extension for an additional year. However, the post-holder will be expected to
apply for independently-funded fellowships or contribute to the securing of
additional funding required to carry on the project beyond this time.





Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Fitz-James at maximilian.fitz-
james@biology.ox.ac.uk.





Where Covid-19 has resulted in substantial disruption to your work or research
outputs, please explain this by providing an additional paragraph in your
supporting statement.





The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All
applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.





This post is full time and is available from 14 July 2025.





The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Wednesday 14 May 2025,
interviews are likely to be scheduled for late May 2025. Applications for this
vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system, and you will be
required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online
application.