Postdoctoral Research Associate

**About the role**



A position is available for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate
to join the research group led by Prof Carlo Rinaldi at the University of
Oxford. The group explores genetic causes of neurological disorders and aim to
develop therapies for such conditions with a high complementary approach,
ranging from stem cell modelling to functional genomic.





Enhancers play a pivotal role in governing gene expression, and their
disruption is increasingly recognized as a key driver of diseases. This is an
exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral scientist to help lead a project
focusing on interrogating enhancer function in the context of rare
neurological diseases, with the goal to precisely modulate enhancer activity
to fine-tune gene expression patterns and offer treatment opportunities for
these diseases. The project will use a wide variety of data processing, data
analysis, and statistical techniques to functional genomic data (ChIP-seq,
RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, co-accessibility). Analysis will be performed on
collaborative cloud computing environments using the extensive computing
infrastructure developed by the Sanders Lab.





You will be involved with all aspects of the data analysis including design,
conduct, and dissemination. The post holder will work at the newly built
Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) at the Old Road
Campus of University of Oxford in the laboratories of Prof Carlo Rinaldi. You
will be well supported by the existing joint team, currently consisting of
postdocs, bioinformaticians, PhD candidates, and research assistants.





The post holder will be able to receive training in collaborating labs in
order to benefit from interaction with researchers in diverse environments.
You 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.





This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for one
year or until 30 September 2026, whichever is sooner, with the possibility to
extend provided further external funding is available.





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





**About the department**



The Department of Paediatrics holds the Athena Swan Gold award (a national
gender equality charter) acknowledging the innovative policies and practices
developed across the department. We encourage staff to develop their skills by
offering all staff ten paid days of professional development each year and
have a policy where staff can apply to receive funding for further training.





In addition to the University of Oxford wellbeing resources, the Department of
Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp
sessions as well as a choir. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial
assistance towards visa renewal fees. These activities are designed to promote
physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.





Please visit our website to find out more about the Department.





**About you**



This is a highly collaborative position, so excellent communication and
interpersonal skills are essential. Applicants will need to hold a PhD, or be
near completion, in Translational research, Neuroscience, Genetics, or a
related subject. You will need to have demonstrated proficiency in stem cell
culture, human genetics, translational research, and/or bioinformatics leading
to impactful publications and experiencing in clinical research.





**Application Process**



You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your
online application. The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and
should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria
listed in the job description. Click here for information and advice on
writing an effective Supporting Statement.





To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Carlo Rinaldi, Professor of
Molecular and Translational Neuroscience, using the contact details below.





**Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on Tuesday 29 April
2025 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible
thereafter.**





The Department of Paediatrics offers an Interview Expense Reimbursement Policy
in its efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion. Should you be
invited to interview, we will share further information about the policy at
that stage.