Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role
A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in Dr Alex de Mendoza’s laboratory in the Department of Biology, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London.

Building on ongoing work in the group on the giant virus endogenization in eukaryotes (www.demendozalab.com), this project will investigate the epigenetic control of giant virus endogenizations in animals. In particular, it will use cnidarian model systems to characterise the chromatin state of endogenised elements, and aim to disrupt these states in order to reactivate recent endogenizations. The project will leverage laboratory experience in cnidarian epigenomics, comparative genomics and giant virus annotation and evolution.

The post is full-time, with an initial contract of 1.5 years, with the possibility of extension subject to funding. The main responsibilities include performing comparative genomics, epigenome profiling and manipulation, and preparation of manuscripts for publication. There will also be opportunities to contribute to supervision of students and to collaborate with international partners.

About You
The ideal candidate will have a PhD or be about to defend one in Genetics, Evolution, Biochemistry, or a related field. Have experience with epigenomics and transposable elements. With desirable skills include experience in omics data analysis and working on animal model systems.

You will hold strong communication skills and effective collaboration, with demonstrable outcomes. Self-motivation, teamwork abilities, and excellent research management skills. Informal enquiries please contact Dr Alex de Mendoza (a.demendoza@qmul.ac.uk).

About the School
The role sits within the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, one of the largest Schools within Queen Mary University of London. The school has a strong research output and demanding educational standards for its students, but all members benefit from a high level of academic and social integration. In addition, the school is committed to equality of opportunity and holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award.

About Queen Mary
At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits
We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.